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The Government of Bangladesh has expressed disappointment at the United States Department of State’s ‘unsubstantiated claims of two deaths’ during Monday’s student protests in the country.

‘We are extremely disappointed by the response of Mr Mathew Miller, Spokesperson of the US State Department to a question during a regular press briefing yesterday, 15 July 2024  Washington time, where he made unsubstantiated claims of at least two deaths from the ongoing student protests in Bangladesh,’ said foreign ministry spokesperson Seheli Sabrin at her office in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Reading out a written statement, she said that use of unverified information to make such baseless claims could fuel violence and undermine Bangladesh government’s efforts to maintain a peaceful environment to allow non-violent protests or movement.

‘Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are cornerstones of our democracy, and the government remains steadfast to uphold those rights of the citizens while also safeguarding the public property and order,’ she said.

Mentioning that violence did not have any place in democracy and politics, she, however, said, ‘We have recently witnessed with horror an attempt on the life of former US president Donald Trump during a peaceful rally in Pennsylvania. We are deeply concerned by the incident. Such violence runs against the core values of democracy.’

The prime minister and the foreign minister of Bangladesh had separately condemned the attack and sighed relief learning that Trump was safe and recovering, she said.

‘To uphold democracy and democratic values, we are committed to work together with the US,’ she added. 

Responding to a question that referred to the ruling Awami League student wing Bangladesh Chhatra League’s attacks on those protesting at the quota system in the government jobs, the US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller said, ‘So we are aware of and are monitoring reports of widespread student protests in Dhaka and around Bangladesh that have killed two and attacked and injured hundreds.’

Condemning any violence against peaceful protesters, he said that the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly were essential building blocks of any thriving democracy.

‘Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this violence,’ he mentioned.

Regarding the further clarification of the claims of deaths as none was reported dead in Monday’s student protests across Bangladesh, acting spokesperson of the US embassy in Dhaka, Leonard Hill, said that they continued monitoring reports about what was happening.

‘We are always looking for the most accurate information and welcome journalists’ work to uncover the truth,’ he added.