22 US lawmakers urge Blinken to take action on Bangladesh

A group of twenty-two US lawmakers, including seven senators and fifteen members of Congress, have written to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging action in response to the current situation in Bangladesh.

Led by Senator Edward J. Markey, the letter, sent on Friday, expressed concerns over recent violence related to the quota reform movement, issues surrounding recent elections, US sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion, and labor rights violations.

The lawmakers emphasized the importance of condemning all acts of violence, protecting civil liberties such as freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and holding accountable those responsible for abuses against the Bangladeshi people.

They called for the United States to partner with the international community to support the democratic aspirations of the Bangladeshi people and uphold human rights.

The letter was signed by senators Edward J. Markey, Chris Van Hollen, Tammy Baldwin, Tim Kaine, Richard J. Durbin, Jeffrey A. Merkley, and Christopher S. Murphy, along with members of Congress James P. McGovern, William R. Keating, Grace Meng, Seth Moulton, Lori Trahan, Joe Wilson, James C. Moylan, Dina Titus, Gerald E. Connolly, Gabe Amo, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Nydia M. Velazquez, Daniel T. Kildee, and Barbara Lee.