ZCZC
BSS-37
FM-USA-REPORTS
Dhaka rejects US HR report over Bangladesh
DHAKA, March 18, 2019 (BSS) – Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today said Dhaka
has rejected the recent country reports on Human right practices by US State
Department over Bangladesh and also sent a protest letter to the Washington differing
with the report findings.
“By and large, it (finding of the report) is more applicable to the USA than
Bangladesh,” he said with smiles on his face at a press briefing at foreign ministry
this afternoon.
The Bangladesh foreign minister said the report described the human rights
situation in Bangladesh based on information from different media reports and NGOs not
by their own investigations.
“It will be objective, if they prepare it after rigorous investigation on their
own,” he said rejecting the 2019 report that was released last Wednesday.
Saying that Bangladesh believes in freedom of speech at home and abroad, the
minister said anyone can prepare a report, but it has to be objective.
“We welcome any objective and collective report. If so, it will help us to take
further steps,” he said Momen differed with the US report on several issues including
LGBT, elections and activities of law enforcement agencies.
Terming it as a routine job of the state department the minister said “We have
nothing to be worried about”.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Md
Shahidul Haque were also present, during the briefing.
BSS/ASG/TA/KU/2004 HRS