The US has described the recent statements of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President as “outrageous and unacceptable”.
“We have grave concerns about these statements,” Marie Harf, deputy spokesperson of the State Department said replying a question at a regular press briefing on Wednesday.
The question has been asked about the recent comment of BGMEA President Atiqul Islam who said individuals and labor rights activists who directly contact the US government or Congress should be prosecuted for sedition.
“There are laws and courts in this country. Despite that, those who are making allegations abroad without informing anyone must face sedition charges,” BGMEA President Atiqul Islam had said recently.
He made the comment after Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed’s visit to the US on June 10, during which several US Congressmen alleged torture of workers showing him a letter sent from Bangladesh.
Islam also demanded trial of those responsible for sending such letters.
The deputy spokesperson Harf said: “These statements, if true, are outrageous and unacceptable”.
“Bangladesh enjoys a rich tradition of parliamentary democracy, free speech, free association, and any attempt to muzzle civil society, including through these kinds of means, would be to the determinant of all Bangladeshis,” she said.
