The United Kingdom and Canada in separate statements have extended support to Bangladesh鈥檚 newly formed interim government led by Nobel laureate professor Muhammad Yunus.
鈥楾he interim government has the UK鈥檚 support as it works to restore peace and order, for the sake of the Bangladeshi people,鈥� British foreign secretary David Lammy said in a statement. He said that the people of Bangladesh deserved accountability and a peaceful pathway to an inclusive democratic future.
鈥榃e urge all actors to prevent further violence and loss of life,鈥� Lammy added.
鈥榃e welcome the inauguration of a new interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus. This is the first step in restoring peace, to pave the way for free and fair elections and democratic governance,鈥� Canadian foreign minister M茅lanie Joly said in a statement, disseminated by Canadian mission on Saturday.聽
She said that Canada supported a peaceful way forward in the resolution of the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh.
鈥楧uring this period of transition, Canada looks forward to engaging with the interim government in supporting a process that is inclusive with broad political participation by all sectors of society, including religious minorities, youth, women and other minorities,鈥� she said.
Joly said that Canada reiterated its calls for calm and urged all parties to work together to promote the principles of democratic and inclusive governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law in Bangladesh.
鈥楥anada also calls on the interim government to maintain full access to internet and other communication means to support the exercise of freedom of expression, and to pursue accountability and a full impartial investigation into the deaths and violence that have occurred,鈥� the minister added.
US secretary of state Antony Blinken also welcomed the interim government.
鈥業 welcome the swearing in of Dr Muhammad Yunus to lead the interim government in Bangladesh,鈥� he wrote on his social media handle X on Saturday.
He said that Washington remained committed to working with Bangladesh as it charted a democratic and prosperous future of the people in the country.
鈥楾he United States supports his (Yunus) call for calm and peace,鈥� Blinken added.
