Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen today said that he told the US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken that six lakh people disappear every year in the US.
He made this comment at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka while responding to a question on his recent telephone conversation with the US Secretary of State.
Momen said that he also told Blinken that Bangladeshis did not like the US decision without consultation.
"We have a very trusted friendship with you of 50 years. We are a country that solves all problems through discussion. So, we expect that you would let us know before any decision."
Blinken told him Dhaka and Washington have a lot of scope to work together on issues including climate change, democracy, human rights and peacekeeping.
"I said we have several dialogues with you. You could consult us [before sanctions]. Mr Blinken said 'you can also call me, feel free to call me'," Momen said.
"I said we will meet soon, will hold dialogues. He was very positive. I liked the way he responded to us," he said.
On December 10, the US imposed sanctions on seven of the current and former top officials of Rapid Action battalion on human rights ground, including for disappearances and extra-judicial killings and tortures.
The next day, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen summoned the US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller and said the accusations against Rab were not corroborated by facts.
The foreign minister said Blinken called him around 6:45pm last evening when he was at Bangabhaban.
The US has some global priorities that include preventing terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking – issues where Rab played vital role in Bangladesh. So, it was unfortunate that the US sanctioned Rab, he said.
After the Holey Artisan attack, there was not a single terrorist attack in Bangladesh and that is because of Rab, he said, adding that people also trusted the force and it is not involved in corruption.
Blinken said they would discuss the issues and their door for discussion is open.
"I said you accused those who protect human rights. I said six lakh people in the US disappear every year. Police kill 1000 people in the line of duty," Momen said recalling his conversation with Blinken.
Asked if he appealed to Blinken to withdraw the sanctions on Rab, Momen said he did not directly say that but the talk meant to render that.
"We have a good rapport with the US. I should say…the sanction was imposed because of the Congress."
