US official links up trial of war crimes with democracy in BD

Tipaimukh issue should be resolved through discussion: Robert Blake
Visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O Blake has said that that the trial of war criminals should not be politicised hindering democratic progress.
He was speaking at a press conference at the ARA (American Club) in Gulshan on the second day of his visit to Bangladesh on Sunday.
He said democracy has been restored in Bangladesh through a free and fair election creating history but no step should be taken that will undermine progress of democracy adding “Fine planning and fine balance should be maintained by the government.”
Blake also said US will not interfere in Tipaimukh dam issue, adding that it should be resolved through discussion between India and Bangladesh.
He said that his visit is aimed at enhancing long-standing cooperation and continued friendship with Bangladesh and assisting it in some new areas like fighting climate change.
“The existing issues where US extends assistance to Bangladesh are democracy, development and curbing extremism while new areas of assistance will be climate change, agriculture and women leadership,” he said.
He said the historic speech which has been delivered by US President Obama in Egypt asking Muslims to work together is also a message for Bangladesh.
Asked what specific steps will be taken in assisting Bangladesh to mitigate climate change, he said he will be going back to his country with his suggestions and concerned persons will decide what to do.
He added that the US would like to help BD also in curbing local terrorists and extremists like JMB, resolving maritime boundary delimitation dispute and strengthening border security.
Replying to a comment that the parliament is not functioning properly due to absence of the opposition, he said during his visit to BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, he requested her to go to parliament to make it functional and assist the government in addressing challenges ahead of the nation.
About trial of BDR mutineers and death of some soldiers in custody, he said that investigation into BDR mutiny should be carried out fairly and transparently and responsible persons should be brought to justice.
US Assistant Secretary urged the government to investigate into extra-judicial killings and punish those responsible. He spoke on the need for government initiative to establish human rights in the interest of democracy adding that US government always emphasize issues of democracy and human rights.
Speaking about forming South Asian Taskforce against terrorism as proposed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said US will assist in forming such taskforce but US is in favour of a wider taskforce covering all countries.
He said as this democratic government has come to power through fair poll and the Finance Minister has announced a budget, this is a new beginning for which the government and the opposition will have to work together.
As to a pending decision of giving special duty free excess of BD garments to US, he said the matter is not certain yet and thus BD businessmen will have to find out new areas of export to US.

Courtesy of The Bangladesh Today