Bangladesh
Sanctions on RAB Sanctions on RAB won't be lifted without actions, accountability: US ambassador
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, April 25: US Ambassador to Dhaka Peter D Haas said there is no chance of lifting the sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) without taking specific steps and ensuring concrete accountability.
The US ambassador said this while speaking at a seminar on "Bangladesh-US Relations: Enhanced Cooperation and Progressive Partnership" at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in the capital on Sunday (April 24).
The ambassador said, "I want to be honest about law enforcement, there is no chance of lifting the sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) without taking specific steps and ensuring concrete accountability. We want a RAB that is as tough on counter-terrorism as it is on maintaining respect for basic human rights."
Peter Haas said the sanctions imposed on the RAB did not mean that we would not be able to extend strong security co-operation in enforcing the law. We will continue to work with Bangladesh to curb international crime and terrorism, increase border security and prevent violent extremism.
Haas said the United States continues to support cooperation with the police, anti-terrorism units and specialized units of the Chittagong, Sylhet and Rajshahi Metropolitan Police in the fight against terrorism and international crime.
The US ambassador said, "We can enhance our security cooperation. We are involved in defence. We conduct several annual exercises. The two countries' respective special operations forces are currently conducting a joint exercise called Tiger Shark. We can intensify these cooperation activities with other like-minded collaborating countries."
Earlier on April 6, the 8th security dialogue between Dhaka and Washington was held in the United States. In that dialogue, the US expressed interest in assisting in the modernization and institutional development of Bangladesh's armed forces. The two sides also held constructive talks on the GSOMIA and ACSA agreements.
Foreign Secretary Masood bin Momen represented Dhaka in the dialogue. On the other hand, Bonnie Jenkins, the US Under Secretary of Arms Control and International Security, led the Washington side.
