Bangladesh disappointed over US State Dept statement on quota protest

Bangladesh has protested the statement made by the United States with bogus information about the death of two people protesting for the reform of quota system in government jobs.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the protest in a statement on Tuesday (July 16) in view of the statement of Mathew Miller, Spokesperson of the US State Department, over the ongoing quota reform movement.

Bangladesh has also expressed extreme disappointment over the US State Department's claim of deaths of at least two persons from the ongoing quota reform movement, saying that such “baseless claim” can fuel the violence and undermine the government’s efforts.

“Use of unverified information to make such baseless claims can fuel violence and undermine Bangladesh government’s efforts to maintain a peaceful environment to allow non-violent protests or movement,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Seheli Sabrin told media.

She said the foreign ministry is “extremely disappointed” by the response of Mathew Miller, Spokesperson of the US State Department, to a question during a regular press briefing on July 15, 2024 (Washington time), where he made the claim.  

Mathew Miller said the United States is aware of and are monitoring reports of widespread student protests in Dhaka and around Bangladesh that have killed two and attacked and injured hundreds.

“We condemn any violence against peaceful protesters. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this violence,” he said during the briefing.

Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin said freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are cornerstones of democracy, and the government remains steadfast to uphold those rights of the citizens while also safeguarding public property and order.

She said violence does not have any place in democracy and politics.