Dhaka Bureau: US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has expressed concern over the intimidation of journalists and civil society in Bangladesh (DSA) in various ways, including the use of the Digital Security Act.
The US State Department gave this information in a statement on Tuesday (April 11). the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh on Monday. He expressed this concern in the bilateral meeting held with AK Abdul Momen.
In a statement, Foreign Office Chief Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said that Foreign Minister Anthony Blinken thanked Bangladesh for providing shelter to Rohingya refugees in a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. He highlighted nearly $2.1 billion in U.S. humanitarian aid since 2017, including $23.8 million in new assistance from the World Food Program to provide emergency food and nutrition services to Rohingya refugees.
During the meeting, Blinken reiterated the United States’ commitment to inclusive economic growth, free and fair elections, labor rights, and freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
Blinken raised concerns about violence and intimidation against the media and civil society under the Digital Security Act, the deputy spokesperson said. He pointed out that there is criticism about free and fair elections and respect for human rights in Bangladesh.
