The United States has emphasised that there is no justification for violence in Bangladesh and that those responsible for such acts must be held accountable.
“We have made it clear that there's no excuse for violence, whether it is against those conducting peaceful protests or by those protesting, and anyone responsible for violence should face consequences,” said US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller during a regular media briefing in Washington on October 16.
Miller's remarks came in response to a journalist's question about the latest government decisions in Bangladesh and claims that over 3,000 police personnel were killed between August 5 and 8 following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.
The interim government has announced that no cases can be filed against students or civilians who participated in the mass uprising in July-August, effectively granting immunity to those involved in the unrest after the fall of the Hasina-led government on August 5. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement saying there would be no cases, arrests, or harassment related to the events of the July uprising, which took place between July 15 and August 8.
When asked about a recent incident involving an Islamic song being sung at a puja mandap during Durga Puja, Miller iterated the US commitment to religious freedom in Bangladesh and beyond.
"Regarding that specific incident, I'll take it back and get you an answer," he added.