US Acknowledges Ban on AL Activities, Reaffirms Support for Democracy

The United States has said it is aware of the interim government’s decision to ban the Awami League from all political activities until a special tribunal investigating the party and its leaders concludes its work. 

“We do not support any one political party in Bangladesh over another. We support a free and democratic process, as well as fair and transparent legal proceedings for all individuals. We urge all countries, including Bangladesh, to respect the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association for all,” said Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, during a press briefing on Tuesday.

The US response came after a journalist asked how the State Department views the Bangladesh interim government’s ordinance banning the political activities of the country’s largest party, the Awami League.

The journalist also questioned the State Department’s view on the interim government's alleged role in fostering radical ideologies and enabling terrorism, citing reports of Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul’s alleged meeting with Lashkar-e-Tayyiba operative Harun Izhar and growing support for violence in Kashmir by political and religious leaders.

In response, Pigott said, said “We value our partnership with the people of Bangladesh spanning more than 50 years. We remain committed to deepening our partnership by working with the interim government. And I already commented on your other question there, but nothing further to add.”