Bangladesh
US RAB Sanctions United States responded positively about sanctions during talks: Foreign Minister Momen
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, December 17: The United States has responded positively to continue talks with Bangladesh on the recent imposition of sanctions on several former and current officers of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen said.
He was speaking to reporters at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Thursday evening. He said, The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told me "I hope you will come to Washington next spring to discuss this."
Dr. Momen said, "US Foreign Minister was very positive. I really like the way he spoke."
He said Blinken told him that there were many opportunities for Bangladesh and the United States to work together on various issues, including climate change, democracy, human rights and peacekeeping.
He added: "I told him - (before the ban) you could talk to us. As we are discussing several issues with you. In reply Blinke said, You (Momen) can call me anytime, Don't hesitate to call me."
The foreign minister said he had told Blinken that the people of Bangladesh did not like the idea of imposing sanctions. "I conveyed him the attitude of the people of this country."
Momen said he had told the US Secretary of State that the people of Bangladesh did not like the decision of the United States because of our 0 years of very trusting and friendly relationship with Washington. We resolve all issues with our neighbors through negotiations. We hope that you (the United States) will inform us before making any decision.
Dr. Momen called the RAB as an orderly and corruption-free force. He told Blinken that because of the RAB's ability to fight terrorism, there have been no more militant attacks in Bangladesh since the Holey Artisan attack, and that is why the people of the country have confidence in this elite force.
