US aware of AL activities ban; supports free, democratic process

US State Department seal. Wikimedia Commons.

Dhaka, May 14 - The United States has said they support a free and democratic process as well as fair and transparent legal processes for all individuals, noting that they are aware of the ban imposed by the interim government on the activities of Bangladesh Awami League.

"We are aware that the interim government has banned the Awami League from all political activities until a special tribunal for the party and its leaders concludes," said Thomas "Tommy" Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State.

He made the remarks when a journalist sought US' views on banning activities of the Awami League in Bangladesh during a regular briefing in Washington DC on May 13.

Pigott said they do not support any one political party in Bangladesh over another.

He said they urge all countries, including Bangladesh, to respect the freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association for all.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said the ban on activities of this party is necessary to protect national security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of July Movement activists and safeguard plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal.

Alam said they have witnessed how Awami League completely destroyed the country’s democratic fabric, severely squeezed the political space and compromised sovereignty during its 15-year long tyrannical and kleptocratic rule.

"The wounds caused by the crimes against humanity perpetrated by this party are still fresh," the Press Secretary told UNB.

Responding to a separate question, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State said they value their "partnership with the people of Bangladesh" spanning more than 50 years.

He said they remain committed to 'deepening" their partnership by working with the interim government. - UNB