Is US State Dept spreading misinfo over student agitation?

Despite no reports from Bangladeshi or foreign media or law enforcement agencies regarding any deaths during the current student protests, the US Department of State claims otherwise, raising questions about whether it has fallen prey to rumours circulating on social media platforms.

"So we are aware of and are monitoring reports of widespread student protests in Dhaka and around Bangladesh that have killed two and attacked and injured hundreds," said US Department of State Spokesperson Mathew Miller during a regular media briefing in Washington on Monday, July 15.

Spokesperson Miller emphasised that "freedom of expression and peaceful assembly" are essential components of any thriving democracy. "We condemn any violence against peaceful protesters. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this violence," he added.

Leonard Hill, acting information officer at the US Embassy in Dhaka, told Jago News, “We continue monitoring reports about what is happening.  As the Spokesperson said:  ‘The freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are essential building blocks of any thriving democracy, and we condemn any violence against peaceful protesters. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this violence.’”

He said nothing about the two deaths reported by Matthew Miller.

Foreign Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Hasan Mahmud said on Monday that the government would not permit anyone to cause instability in the country, noting that there is an effort to turn the anti-quota movement into an anti-state and anti-government movement by exploiting the sentiments of young students.

"The government will not allow this. This government is a very strong government. No political evil force will be allowed to destabilise the country by playing with the sentiments of young students," Hasan told reporters while responding to a question at the foreign office.