Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said the US government provided no specific information to Bangladesh about putting sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and some of its top current and former officials. He said this in reply to a question during a media briefing on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s programmes during the 77th UNGA in New York on Tuesday. Read:Myanmar’s shelling inside Bangladesh “unintentional mistake”, Momen says in NY The foreign minister said that the Bangladesh government repeatedly sought information on the sanctions the US imposed on Rab and its current, former officials last December for alleged rights abuse. “Still, they have not given any correct and specific information. So, we do not know. Besides, the US has a habit of imposing sanctions on different countries,” he said. Read: Momen, Canadian High Commissioner welcome formation of CBAA The minister praised Rab for combating terrorism in the country. In this regard, he said there has been no terrorist incident in the country after the Holey Artisan attack on July 1, 2016. “That was the last one,” he added, He also said that PM Hasina demonstrates zero tolerance towards terrorism. Read US sanctions outcome of USD 100 million project: IGP

US Senator Ted Cruz (Republican-Texas) and Congressman Steve Chabot (Republican-Ohio) have expressed their willingness to facilitate further strengthening Dhaka-Washington relations. They said this during separate meetings with a four-member delegation from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by its Chairman Muhammad Faruk Khan. Other members of the team were Nurul Islam Nahid, Nahim Razzak; and Kazi Nabil Ahmed, according to a message received here from Bangladesh mission in Washington on Thursday. Also read:US keen to deepen ties with Bangladesh: Ambassador Haas The meetings took place on Wednesday at the respective offices of the senator and the congressman at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam and embassy officials were present in the meetings. During the meetings, the Parliamentary delegation briefed the US lawmakers on Bangladesh’s impressive socio-economic development that has taken place under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Deportation of Rashed Chowdhury and sanctions on RAB The delegation reiterated Bangladesh’s request for the deportation of Rashed Chowdhury, the self-confessed killer of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. They also sought the US lawmakers’ support for lifting US sanctions on the RAB, which is making tremendous contributions to the fight against extremism, terrorism, and cross-border crimes, including drugs and human trafficking. The delegation highlighted Bangladesh’s sustained economic growth, efficient COVID-19 management and measures to improve democratic governance. The Bangladeshi lawmakers acknowledged US humanitarian and political support to cope with more than one million displaced Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh, and requested the US lawmakers to persuade Myanmar in all possible ways to create a safe environment in Rakhine State to ensure safe and voluntary return to their homeland in Myanmar. The US lawmakers commended Bangladesh’s generosity in hosting this huge number of Rohingyas and said that they would continue their efforts to address the Rohingya issue. The Bangladesh delegation also appreciated the US government’s donation of 64 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Bangladesh.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said seeking India’s help to withdraw the US sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is a manifestation of the government's knee-jerk foreign policy.  "The United States imposed sanctions on (RAB) for human rights violation by this government. It was most needed to dismiss the officials involved in the misdeeds and take legal action against them,” he told an iftar party. Instead of doing that, the BNP leader bemoaned that the foreign minister said they sought India's help in this regard. “How failed and subservient this government is that it is now seeking India’s help instead of taking action against the institution that indulged in misdeeds,” Fakhrul said.  Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal arranged the programme at Dhaka Ladies Club in the city’s Eskaton area. Read: BNP won’t join any polls under AL govt: Fakhrul Earlier on Tuesday, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said Bangladesh sought India’s support to withdraw the US sanctions imposed on elite force RAB and individuals. “We sought their help after the US imposed sanctions on Rab. They’ve been very nice to us. They (Indian side) said they would raise it,” Momen told reporters at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Earlier, the US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas said there is no scope for repeal of sanctions against the RAB without concrete action and accountability. Referring to the recent clashes between Dhaka College students and businessmen in the New Market area, Fakhrul said it has been proved that Chhatra League was involved in the violence. "But no action has been taken against the Chhatra League leaders involved in the clashes. Rather, false cases were filed against BNP leaders and activists and they were arrested.” At the programme, some family members of the BNP leaders who were reportedly made enforced disappearance were given Eid gifts on behalf of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

Bangladesh will appoint certified lawyers in the United States to pursue the withdrawal of sanctions imposed on the elite force Rapid Action Battalion (Rab). “We’re in the process of appointing legal assistance in the US,” Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said this week, noting that it is a legal process, not an administrative one. As Bangladeshi lawyers will not be able to do the job, it will have to be done by the certified lawyers in the US, he said, adding that some initial legal steps have been taken already. The foreign secretary said the process is different in dealing with the sanctions on individuals and Rab as an institution. Read: No defence procurement from US now; signing GSOMIA to take time: FS He recently visited the United States and accompanied Foreign Minister  AK Abdul Momen at the bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the US State Department on April 4. Masud also led the Bangladesh delegation at the 8th Bangladesh-US Security Dialogue held in Washington. Bangladesh sought resumption of training and capacity building programmes for its law enforcement agencies in any format.

Bangladesh and the United States had a "fruitful discussion" on Indo-Pacific Strategy and Bangladesh expressed support to inclusive socio-economic development in the Indo-Pacific region.  At the 8th Security Dialogue held between the two countries at US Department of State on Wednesday, the two sides had "constructive discussions" on defence agreements like GSOMIA and ACSA as the US is keen to enhance security cooperation with Bangladesh.  General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) are "essential" to enabling a closer defence relationship, expanding opportunities for defence trade, information sharing, and military-to-military cooperation between two countries. Bangladesh side raised deep concern regarding the sanctions on RAB and individuals, and urged the US side to reconsider the decision, according to a message received from Washington. Also read:Bangladesh-US security dialogue held in Washington Bangladesh side highlighted Rab's pivotal role in the fight against terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes; and also elaborated on how the sanctions on Rab is unjustified as the personnel do not enjoy any impunity. The two sides agreed to continue discussion.  Foreign Secretary  Masud Bin Momen and US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Denise Jenkins led respective delegations.  Bangladesh was also represented by the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Secretary of Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md Kamrul Hasan, Secretary of Law and Justice Division, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Md. Golam Sarwar;  and representatives from Prime Minister’s Office, Public Security Division, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Ministry of Defence, Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh and Bangladesh Coast Guard.  US Side was represented by, among others, Assistant Secretary Jessica Lewis and Deputy Assistant Secretary Kelley Keiderling.  Foreign Secretary Masud and Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman also held a separate meeting with the Under Secretary. Masud said Bangladesh deeply values its partnership with the US.  The US delegation appreciated strong ties with Bangladesh, which is well reflected in the regular dialogues between two sides, as they opined.  The day-long meeting covered areas like UN Peacekeeping, Bangladesh US Security Cooperation including cooperation in military training, maritime security, proposed defence agreements, defence purchase and capacity development etc, regional issues like Rohingya, Indo-Pacific, and counterterrorism and civilian security cooperation.  The US side praised Bangladesh’s successes and leadership in UN Peacekeeping Operations.  They also expressed willingness to assist Bangladesh in the modernization and institutional development of its armed forces.   Also read:Will be happy if sanctions on Rab withdrawn: FM On Rohingya issue, the US highly praised Bangladesh’s role, and gave ‘a big thank you’; and committed to continue all possible support.  Bangladesh appreciated the determination by the US of the genocide against Rohingyas, and urged the US side to take follow up measures. The US delegation observed that after 50 years of the independence, Bangladesh has merged as a responsible country and taking part in resolving global crises and problems.  Two sides agreed to continue robust cooperation in counterterrorism and transnational crimes.  The US also assured about its continued support in building law enforcement and prosecutorial capacity as well as in countering violent extremism.  Two sides also discussed on cooperation in aviation safety, with the view to early resumption of Dhaka New York direct flight.  Bangladesh appreciated the robust support received from the US in terms of COVID-19 vaccines.  Two sides agreed to maintain regular contact and to continue the discussion on various issues. The next Security Dialogue would be held next year in Dhaka. 

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said Bangladesh will be happy if the United States withdraws the sanctions imposed on the elite force Rab, reiterating that it was “inappropriate and unjustified.” “It’s up to them (US) to look into and to reexamine,” he said, adding that the Rab as an institution is doing an excellent job. Also read: RAB's importance to counterterrorism recognised but lifting sanctions to take time: Blinken The foreign minister feared resumption of radicalism due to sanctions imposed on the Rab and wanted to know who will take the blame if there is an increasing number of human trafficking, drug trafficking and resumption of radicalism. “This is an important issue. We should look beyond. I raised it in every meeting. I personally feel it’s (sanctions) inappropriate and unjustified,” Momen said at a programme titled “A conversation with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister” on the lessons learned from the last 50 years and the path ahead for US-Bangladesh relations hosted by United States Institute of Peace (USIP) on Tuesday. President and CEO of the USIP Lise Grande delivered opening remarks at the event moderated by Ambassador Teresita Schaffer. The FM said there is no more terrorism and radicalism in the country and gave credit to the Rab for the achievement. “Rab has achieved public acknowledgment.” Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recognized the elite force RAB's important counterterrorism role but stated that lifting sanctions and resuming training might take time. Also read:PM blames a vested Bangladesh group for US sanctions on RAB During his recent meeting with Blinken, Foreign Minister Momen emphasized that Bangladeshi law enforcers need training from the US on rules of engagements, and informed that there is an inbuilt system of inquiry in the Rab, which tracks all allegations; and number of personnel have been penalized. Depicting the context of the creation of Rab in 2004, he underscored that the force has played pivotal role in Bangladesh’s counter-terrorism efforts; which may be undermined by the sanctions.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday came down heavily on the USA for imposing sanctions on RAB and some of its officials, calling it despicable. “I think imposing sanctions (on RAB and some of its officials) after all their successes (containing militancy, drugs, pirates and terrorists) is despicable,” she said. The prime minister was speaking at the 18th founding anniversary of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at Shaheed Lt Col Azad Memorial Hall at Rab Forces Headquarters. The PM joined it from her official residence Ganobhaban. She said that Bangladesh law provides for punishing any member of a law enforcement agency who gets involved in any kind of crime. Read:They better check their eyesight, PM says about critics "But it's a matter of regret that they imposed sanctions on some RAB members without any fault or cause. In their country they do not take any action against any member of their forces for their criminal activities," she said. In this connection, she mentioned that in the US, a child was shot dead just for putting his hands in his pockets (during a police check) and in another incident, a law enforcement agency member suffocated a person to death on the street. "They did not get punished," she said.

Bangladesh has said Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is facing difficulties in conducting its operations due to US-imposed sanctions and this might encourage radical elements in the country and make the law-and-order situation worse and create regional instability.  Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen expressed this concern as US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland met him at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Sunday.  He strongly urged the US government to reconsider the sanctions. Read:'Economic Framework' of IPS to be released soon; draft on GSOMIA passed The foreign minister depicted the context of the creation of RAB to combat terrorism and serious crimes.  "At that time, the US trained them, and the organisation was being compared with the FBI," he said. Till now, Bangladesh's success in curbing terrorism and transnational crimes are largely attributed to RAB, Momen added. He underscored that whenever allegations of human rights violation were received against any law enforcer, due administrative or legal actions were taken. Nuland expressed the US' willingness to engage with Bangladesh on human rights and labour issues to collectively bring improvements in some areas. She also proposed that the US can help Bangladesh, like some other development partners, in further reexamining the Digital Security Act. Momen expressed satisfaction about the successful holding of the Partnership Dialogue, which is the first one after a two-year pause due to the pandemic.  Referring to his upcoming bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 4 in Washington DC on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Momen said the two countries need to have closer relations for the next 50 years. Nuland hoped that the upcoming meeting between the Bangladesh foreign minister and US secretary of state would be a fruitful one.   She elaborated on her government position on the Ukraine issue. Momen said Bangladesh always wants peace and underscored that the conflict needs to be resolved through negotiations.  He said peace brings stability, which is important for Bangladesh as "we have a large number of expatriate workers abroad." Read:Momen urges Qatar to supply more LNG to Bangladesh In this interdependent world, Momen said, war and conflict would cause a problem for all, including the US, the European Union and the Middle East.  He also recalled that the US is Bangladesh's largest trading partner with $9 billion bilateral trade.  Momen underscored that, the US being the largest investor cumulatively with 20 percent of the FDI flow since Bangladesh's independence, has mainly invested in the energy sector.  He said the US investors may consider enhancing and diversifying its investment portfolio in Bangladesh.  Also, the foreign minister depicted the "excellent investment environment in Bangladesh" and the establishment of special economic zones and high-tech parks.  He especially emphasised the possible US investment in the ICT and pharmaceutical sectors.  This might be a win-win situation if the US invests in ICT, Momen added. 

Bangladesh on Sunday pressed for withdrawal of US sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion and seven of its current and former officers, but Washington was still non-committal in its response describing it a "complicated and difficult" issue. Bangladesh voiced its concern over the US Treasury Department’s move at the 8th “Partnership Dialogue” with the United States in Dhaka, first such bilateral meeting after the sanctions were imposed on the country’s elite force last December. US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, who led the US side, told a joint press briefing that sanctions are a complicated and difficult issue, though some progress were made over the last three months. Read: Momen receives letter with good sentiments from Blinken as Nuland arrives for dialogue “I think this has obviously been a complicated and difficult issue. Here, we did discuss it today. We’ve seen progress in the last three months…,” she said. With Nuland by his side at the briefing at State guesthouse Padma Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said they have raised "deep concern" about the recent US treasury sanctions imposed on Rab and related individuals. He said that Bangladesh side explained how this might affect the efforts of the government to combat terrorism and transnational crimes. Dhaka told Washington that the government has been addressing the challenges. “We’ve given them a non-paper dossier on the latest on Rab and its performance, also some of our initiatives. They’ll take it back and look at it,” said the foreign secretary. He said they will continue their discussion in several formats and this issue will hopefully be resolved in due course. Masud said Dhaka also explained its position on issues like democratic practices, media freedom, labor rights and religious harmony. Read: Dhaka-Washington "Partnership Dialogue” Sunday; Under Secretary Nuland in city "We also had in-depth discussion on ways and means of enhancing trade and investment, and possible cooperation in the Blue Economy," he said. At the dialogue the two countries intended to have “closer understanding” and broader relations removing gaps. Earlier, Masud and Nuland had tete-a-tete at the same venue before joining the dialogue. The entire gamut of relations between the two countries -security cooperation, trade, labour rights, investment opportunities, human rights, governance, global threats including climate change, regional issues including a free and open Indo-Pacific region were discussed.

Senior treasury bench member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim on Thursday harshly criticised the US for what he said imposing sanctions on eight former and current officials of the elite force RAB 'intentionally' without any evidence. Participating in the general discussion on a thanksgiving motion on the president's speech, he also said the US police should be banned for gunning down a huge number of people every year unlawfully. Selim said BNP, founded by Ziaur Rahman comprising the anti-liberation and the defeated force of 1971, cannot accept Bangladesh in any way even after 50 years of its independence. “They (BNP) carry out false propaganda against Bangladesh abroad. The US has imposed sanctions intentionally on the eight officials of Bangladesh’s smart law enforcement agency RAB, but it (US) can’t show any evidence,” he said. The veteran politician claimed that no one has been killed by Rab unnecessarily and there is no such evidence. “RAB perhaps opened fire in self-defense when they came under attack.” He said the US used to raise its voice in favour of human rights and speaks against extrajudicial killings. “But many people have been subjected to extrajudicial killings by the police in the US.” Between 2013 and 2019, Selim said around 7,000 people were killed by the US police and no trial was held for those incidents. Read: ACC files graft case against 3 Krishi Bank officials and two others Referring to a report of the Washington Post newspaper, he said the US police shot dead 1,028 people only in 2019. “The US police should be banned for killing people unlawfully without any trial. After that they should look at others.” Selim also said the US always takes positions in favour of criminals, not in favour of the victims. He recalled the US role in favour of Pakistanis who carried out the mass killing of Bengalese in 1971. The senior MP also alleged that the US has taken a position in favour of the dastard killings of Bangabandhu along with many women and children on August 15, 1975. “They did not even put any killers on the black lists. They rather supported the government of killers Mushtaq and Ziaur Rahman.” He also said Rashed Chowdhury, one of the killers of Bangabandhu, has still been staying in the USA and they are not handing him over to Bangladesh despite repeated requests. “This is your (US) politics. The type of your democracy and human rights will one day get exposed before the world community.” The senior Awami League leader said the evil force of BNP and Jamaat has been conspiring against the country by appointing lobbyists. He said BNP leaders have become very cheerful following the US sanctions on the RAB officials. “Why have you become so happy when anything bad happens to Bangladesh? I want to make you remember that the US banned your leader Tarique Zia on November 3, 2008…Tarique Zia will never be able to go to the USA. See your own face in the mirror.”