Deeply concerned about reports of violence in Bangladesh: US

The United States has expressed deep concerns about the continued violence in Bangladesh including attacks on members of religious or political groups and said it will be vital for the new government to credibly investigate all such instances and provide justice to victimsWe are deeply concerned about continued reports of violence in Bangladesh including violence directed at members of religious or political groups We are equally concerned about reports of violence against police and law enforcement a State Department spokesperson told PTI on TuesdayWe repeat our call for deescalation on all sides and a return to calm This is not a time for retribution or revenge the spokesperson said in response to a question As a friend and partner to the Bangladeshi people the United States will continue to support Bangladeshs democratic aspirations and promote respect for human rights for all said the spokespersonBangladesh is going through an unprecedented crisis with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who was in power for 15 years resigning and fleeing the country after a protest against a jobs quota scheme snowballed into a massive agitation against her and her government More than 300 people have died during the past few tumultuous weeksWe are monitoring the situation in Bangladesh very closely We have long called for respect of democratic rights in Bangladesh and we urge that the interim government formation be democratic and inclusive White House Press Secretary Karine JeanPierre told reporters at her daily news conferenceWe commend the army for the restraint they have shown We encourage all parties to refrain from further violence and restore peace as quickly as possible she said We express our deep concern and sadness about the reports of casualties and injuries over the weekend and past weeks We share our deepest condolences with those who lost loved ones and those who are suffering said the press secretaryIt will be vital for the new government to carefully and credibly investigate all attacks and provide accountability and justice for victims she said The Hindu American Foundation HAF said reports about such incidents including ransacking and in some cases burning of Hindu temples have come from across BangladeshWhile the full extent to which religious minorities are being targeted in this greater unrest is not yet fully clear the picture is deeply concerning the HAF said in a statement These attacks are heartbreaking but unsurprising It is well documented that prior to the toppling of Sheikh Hasinas government Bangladeshs Hindu population has been targeted and harassed in sections of the country for many years now HAF director of Policy Research Anita Joshi saidThe Bangladesh military is reportedly forming an interim government and so we urge local law enforcement and military leadership to ensure the safety of all Bangladeshs religious minorities protecting their homes business and places of worship in this moment of turmoil Joshi said The HAF has also called on the US State Department to work with Bangladeshs military leaders and interim government to immediately protect religious minorities from violence as the country seeks to restore order Joshi saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever