United States calls on Bangladesh to protect the freedom of all

The United States has called for upholding and protecting the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for all, including dissidents and opponents, in Bangladesh. This call was made by Vedanta Patel, the principal deputy spokesperson of the State Department, at the regular press briefing of the US State Department on Tuesday local time.

A journalist asked Vedant Patel at a briefing held at the US State Department office in Washington, "How does the United States view the recent action of preventing Awami League workers from holding a political rally in Dhaka on November 10?" Dr. What is the message from the United States to the interim government led by Yunus? And his supporters have previously spoken out in favor of freedom of speech and assembly.''

Responding to this question, Vedanta Patel said, "We support freedom of expression, right to peaceful assembly for all, including dissenters and opponents. From our point of view, these freedoms are essential elements of any democracy.''

He said, "We regularly communicate this support to all our partners, including the interim government of Bangladesh. And upholding and protecting these freedoms is essential for all Bangladeshis to ensure a truly democratic future for the country.

Besides, Vedanta Patel was also asked about the recent cancellation of accreditation cards of 184 journalists in Bangladesh in the briefing. A journalist questioned and said, according to a recent report, the accreditation cards of 184 Bangladeshi journalists, including the bureau chief of the US news agency Associated Press (AP), have been cancelled.

In such a situation, what action is the United States considering to support the right to safety of journalists in Bangladesh and to counter the restrictions on the freedom of the press? Just an information that the organization Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which has recently worked to protect the rights of journalists, has already Dr. Gave a letter to Yunus. What is your opinion on this?

In response, the US State Department's chief deputy spokesperson said, "I have not seen this report." If true, it is certainly unfortunate. Our strong view is that a free media is essential for covering any situation, including the situation in Bangladesh.

He said that newspapers and media are important to the US President and Secretary of State. We want to encourage as well as ensure that the rights and freedoms of journalists are duly respected.