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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Tuesday said in a statement after Bangladesh’s president dissolved parliament, paving the way for new elections after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country amid weeks of escalating protests against her leadership:
“In a world where democracies and political expression are increasingly under threat, the people of Bangladesh have courageously demonstrated to the global community the transformative power of collective action. When citizens unite, their voices can compel even the most entrenched and authoritarian leaders to relinquish power.
“It is unacceptable that such violence and bloodshed occurred, and we mourn the lives that were lost. After more than a decade of a government that systematically stifled opposition, manipulated the courts, and weaponized the security services against its own citizens, today we celebrate the renewed opportunity for Bangladesh to restore a democracy based on its constitutional principles.
“I strongly urge authorities in Bangladesh to form a responsible caretaker government that will promptly organize inclusive democratic elections. The people of Bangladesh deserve a government that honors their voices, respects their will, and upholds the dignity of their nation.”
MELANIE Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement: “Canada strongly condemns the human rights violations, deaths, torture, arbitrary arrests and lethal force used against the people of Bangladesh in recent weeks. We reiterate our deep condolences to all those impacted.
“During this transition, we urge all parties to respect and uphold democratic institutions and processes and the rule of law. It is vital that all those arrested in recent weeks be accorded due process in the justice system and that a full and impartial investigation be pursued to ensure accountability for crimes committed.
“Assuring the maintenance of a full Internet access is critical to allow people to access information and connect with their loved ones in Canada and worldwide.
“As a country committed to democracy, inclusive governance and the rule of law, Canada calls for a quick and peaceful return to a democratic and inclusive civilian-led government in Bangladesh. We urge the people of Bangladesh to unite around the principles of freedom and democracy upon which their country was founded.
“Respect for fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, are critical for democratic governance and to build peaceful and prosperous societies.
“Canada stands with the people of Bangladesh during these challenging times.”
MEANWHILE, Bangladesh Nobel winner and microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus, 84, who is credited with lifting millions out of poverty, said he is ready to head a caretaker government.
“If action is needed in Bangladesh, for my country and for the courage of my people, then I will take it,” he told AFP in a statement, also calling for “free elections”, after student leaders called for him to lead an interim government.
The major opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) has demanded elections within three months, reports the Hindu newspaper of India.
“In Dr. Yunus, we trust,” Asif Mahmud, a key leader of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) group, wrote on Facebook.
The Hindu said that the military on Tuesday reshuffled several top generals, demoting some seen as close to Hasina, and sacking Ziaul Ahsan, a commander of the feared and U.S.-sanctioned Rapid Action Battalion paramilitary force.
Ex-prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, 78, was released from years of house arrest, according to a presidential statement.
