The United States has called on Bangladesh to adhere to international human rights standards and ensure fairness for its citizens, as the country grapples with an increasing threat from extremist elements, the US State Department said on Monday.
In her regular briefing, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce responded to questions from Press Xpress’s USA Bureau Chief Dastagir Jahangir, regarding the escalating threat of Islamist extremism in Bangladesh, as well as concerns over the country’s record on press freedom.
Q: Bangladesh army chief warns of imminent Islamist extremist attacks on Bangladesh. Given the U.S. commitment to counterterrorism, what step is the U.S. taking to prevent Bangladesh from becoming another Afghanistan?
A: Bruce emphasized that the U.S. expects every country to adhere to human rights standards, particularly Bangladesh, which is considered a friend of the U.S. in diplomatic circles. She said, “What’s most important in how we handle other countries is our expectation that they follow human rights, are fair to their citizens, and behave responsibly toward their people.” She stressed that the U.S. has a strong commitment to diplomatic resolutions and face-to-face conversations with its allies, noting that the U.S. President is committed to addressing such concerns seriously. Bruce added, “We expect Bangladesh, like any other country, to follow human rights and to be conscious and fair in how they govern.”
Bruce’s comments came in response to reports of rising extremism in Bangladesh and the warnings of imminent attacks by Islamist groups, as expressed by Bangladesh’s Army Chief.
US Department of State’s Condemnation of Violence Against Minorities
Bruce’s remarks on Bangladesh followed a statement on March 20, when she condemned violence against minorities in Bangladesh. The U.S. government has consistently emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring security for all citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. “We strongly condemn any violence or intolerance against minorities,” Bruce said, reinforcing that the U.S. remains vigilant in addressing such issues globally.
The State Department has been critical of Bangladesh’s approach to press freedom, particularly in light of the unlawful imprisonment of journalists under the current interim administration. However, Bruce highlighted that the U.S. would continue to press for improvements, adding, “We are watching these developments and expect continued efforts toward fairness and transparency.”
Bangladesh Army Chief Warns of Rising Islamist Extremism
General Waker-uz-Zaman, Bangladesh’s Army Chief, expressed serious concerns over rising Islamist extremism in the country. During a briefing with officers and soldiers in Dhaka, he warned that extremist forces could spark widespread unrest in the coming months. Zaman indicated that he would respond firmly if the situation escalates, highlighting the severity of the threat posed by extremist groups.
Zaman revealed that US Senator Gary Peters, who met with him last week, shared his concerns about the rapid growth of Islamist extremism in Bangladesh over the past eight months. The Army Chief has also been closely monitoring intelligence reports on the issue and convened meetings with key security agencies, including the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and the National Security Intelligence (NSI), to address the threat.
The Army Chief expressed frustration with the interim government’s response to the rising threat. During a meeting with Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, Zaman criticized the “non-serious” approach toward the extremism issue, despite multiple warnings from the security forces. “His concerns are not unfounded and hold considerable weight,” said political analyst Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah.
Weapons Stockpiled by Extremists Raise Alarm
Bangladesh’s security forces are particularly concerned about the significant stockpile of weapons in the hands of extremist groups. Weapons looted during the July-August 2024 student protests and smuggled firearms arriving at Chittagong port are believed to be in the hands of militants. Estimates suggest that between 18,000 to 25,000 firearms may have been seized or smuggled into the country, raising fears of violent unrest if not recovered.
Additionally, security officials are concerned about the presence of several hundred members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) in Dhaka’s outskirts. The recent arrest of ten ARSA members, including their commander, has fueled fears that the group may have expanded its network within the capital.
Release of Convicted Terrorists Raises Further Concerns
A significant source of worry for Bangladesh’s security forces is the controversial release of convicted terrorists since the interim government took power in August 2024. Several individuals were freed through executive orders from government officials in the Ministry of Law and Home Affairs. Analysts suggest that these individuals have likely regrouped, posing a growing threat not only to Bangladesh but also to neighboring India.
Further complicating the situation, there are concerns about increasing activities by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) within Bangladesh, particularly after recent meetings between the Pakistani envoy and leaders of extremist parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami and Amar Bangladesh.
General Zaman’s Call for Discipline and Ethical Conduct
During his address, General Zaman quoted a hadith, emphasizing that true strength lies in self-control rather than physical power. This philosophy appears to reflect his own approach to the ongoing security challenges. Zaman urged his soldiers to focus on upholding ethical conduct and wisdom in the face of provocation, warning them not to be swayed by fake news and misinformation campaigns, which he expects to intensify in the coming days.
In closing, General Zaman stressed that the ultimate success for the Army would be the peaceful conduct of fair elections, signaling the need for a return to normalcy and stability. He added that the Army’s role was one of peacekeeping, relying on respect, reason, and wisdom to navigate the ongoing challenges.
