US welcomes Dr Yunus’s call to end violence

The United States has welcomed Bangladesh’s interim government chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus’s call for an end to the recent violence.

The US reiterated that they stand ready to work with the interim government and Dr. Yunus as it charts a democratic future for the people of Bangladesh.

"I’m not going to speak to the private diplomatic conversations, but obviously one of the things that we have made clear is that we want to see the interim government chart a democratic future for the people of Bangladesh," said US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller while responding to a question at a regular briefing in Washington on Thursday.

Miller said there has been communication with the interim government, and their charge d’affaires attended his swearing-in ceremony in Bangabhaban Thursday night.

"I don’t know if she spoke to him at the swearing-in, but she did attend," he said.

Earlier, the US said the interim government will play a vital role in establishing long-term peace and political stability in Bangladesh.  

“We urge all parties to refrain from further violence. We call for full accountability of all perpetrators of violence,” said the spokesperson, adding that all decisions regarding the interim government should respect democratic principles, rule of law, and the will of the Bangladeshi people.

The US expressed its deep concern and sadness about the reports of deaths, human rights abuses, and injuries over the past weeks.

“We share our deepest condolences with all who lost loved ones and those who are suffering,” Miller said, adding that they continue to monitor developments in Bangladesh.

Nobel laureate and globally acclaimed economist Prof Muhammad Yunus was sworn-in as the chief adviser of the interim government on Thursday night bringing hope for a new journey towards Bangladesh’s democratic future.