How US, EU And Rest Of The World Reacted To Bangladesh Violence, Ouster Of Sheikh Hasina

Anti-government protestors display Bangladesh's national flag as they storm Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's palace in Dhaka on August 5, 2024. (AFP)

Western powers urge calm in Bangladesh following Sheikh Hasina’s departure and a violent crackdown. The US, UN, and EU call for peace, democratic transition, and an independent investigation

The US, EU, and other global actors have for calm in Bangladesh after long-ruling leader Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country after violent anti-government protests. Hasina had sought to quell a nationwide uprising that started with student-led protests against job quotas. Nearly 100 people were killed on Sunday before she quit and fled the country. Here’s how the world reacted to her departure:

United States

The United States called on all sides in Bangladesh to “refrain from further violence” as bullet-ridden bodies were strewn across hospital floors and looting swept the capital Dhaka. “Too many lives have been lost over the course of the past several weeks, and we urge calm and restraint in the days ahead,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.

Miller said that the United States had seen reports that the army refused pressure to crack down further on student-led demonstrations.”If it is true in fact that the army resisted calls to crack down on lawful protesters, that would be a positive development,” he said. “We welcome the announcement of an interim government and urge any transition be conducted in accordance with Bangladesh’s laws,” he said. Asked if the military should choose the next leadership, Miller said, “We want to see the Bangladeshi people decide the future Bangladeshi government.”

United Nations

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a “peaceful, orderly and democratic transition” as well as a “full, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into all acts of violence,” his spokesman Farhan Haq said.

“The Secretary-General stands in full solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and calls for the full respect of their human rights. He continues to underscore the need for a full, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into all acts of violence,” he added.

European Union

The European Union also called for “calm and restraint.” “It is vital that an orderly and peaceful transition towards a democratically elected government is ensured, in full respect of human rights and democratic principles,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.

“The EU is saddened by the tragic loss of life during the protests in recent days. We take note of the assurances given by General Waker-Uz-Zaman that the situation will be handled in a peaceful manner, and that all unlawful killings will be impartially investigated. Accountability for human rights violations is crucial. Those who have been arbitrarily detained should be released immediately,” he added.

United Kingdom

Bangladesh’s former colonial power Britain called for the United Nations to take the lead in an investigation. “The people of Bangladesh deserve a full and independent UN-led investigation into the events of the past few weeks,” Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a statement.

Canada

Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said her country “condemns the human rights violations, deaths, torture, arbitrary arrests and lethal force” used in response to the protests. “During this transition, we urge all parties to respect and uphold democratic institutions and processes and the rule of law,” Joly said in a statement.

World Bank

On Monday, the World Bank said it was assessing the impact of events in Bangladesh on its loan program with the country after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled. “We mourn the violence and tragic loss of life that has taken place in recent weeks in Bangladesh and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution. We are assessing the impact of the unfolding situation on the World Bank Group program and remain committed to supporting the development aspirations of the people of Bangladesh,” a spokesperson for the bank said.

What Next For Hasina?

There was no immediate reaction from regional governments to the fall of Hasina, who had sought a delicate balancing act of enjoying support from India while maintaining strong relations with China. Hasina flew to a military airbase near New Delhi. A top-level source said she wanted to transit on to London, but it was unclear if she would be allowed.

(With agency inputs)

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