US welcomes decision to form interim government, focuses on people’s democratic aspirations

The United States in its first reaction to the upheaval in Bangladesh has welcomed the decision of forming an interim government and laid emphasis on making any transition in accordance with Bangladesh’s laws.

During his opening comments on Bangladesh, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said the United States stands with the people of Bangladesh.

“We have seen the announcement that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position and departed Bangladesh. We are monitoring the situation carefully,” said the Spokesperson during a regular briefing in Washington on August 5.

He said it is important that they focus on the Bangladeshi people’s democratic aspirations and see a path to democratic governance.

The US urged all parties to refrain from further violence.

“Too many lives have been lost over the course of the past several weeks, and we urge calm and restraint in the days ahead,” Miller said.

The Spokesperson said they are deeply saddened about the reports of human rights abuses, casualties, and injuries over the weekend and past weeks.

Now, as to what accountability looks like, he said that is something that should take place under Bangladeshi law.

“Obviously anyone responsible for acts of violence, acts that break the law, should be held accountable,” he added.

Miller said the US shares their deepest condolences with those who lost loved ones and those who are suffering.

Replying to a question, Miller said the US focuses on Bangladeshi people‍‍`s democratic aspirations and wants to see a path to democratic government.

"We want to see the Bangladeshi people decide the future of the Bangladeshi Government," he said.

The US is now focused on supporting an end to the violence and for accountability.

"All decisions regarding the interim government should be made with respect to democratic principles, rule of law, and the will of the Bangladeshi people,” he said, adding that the US wants to see the people of Bangladesh to decide the future government of Bangladesh.

With respect to the violence over the past few weeks and the deaths that have occurred, he said it is vital that they have full and transparent investigations to ensure accountability for these deaths.

On the impact on the Rohingyas, Miller said the United States has provided around $2 billion to assist with refugees in Bangladesh.

“I don’t have any immediate comment on how this change of government might affect those programs,” he said.

Miller said they think it is important that Bangladesh continues to provide hospitality to those refugees, and the US will continue to work with them to do so.

With respect to financial support in fiscal year 2023, the United States provided over 212 million in bilateral economic, development, and health assistance to Bangladesh.

“I don’t have any announcements with respect to those programs other than that we would like to see them continue because they’re important to our relationship with the people of Bangladesh,” he said.