Attack on Rizwana, denial of Adarsha’s stall permission

‘US won’t hesitate to speak out publicly for those who fight for human rights’  

‘US won’t hesitate to speak out publicly for those who fight for human rights’  

M Mushfiqul Fazal, State Department correspondent 

The United States will not hesitate to speak out publicly in support of those everywhere who are fighting for recognition of their human rights and dignity, Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State has said.

He further said the US continues to highlight the importance of democratic principles, such as the freedom of expression and human rights that contribute to strengthening our democracies.

Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel made the remarks while responding to questions regarding the attack on the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association chief executive Syeda Rizwana Hasan and denial of permission to publishing house “Adarsha” to set up a stall at the Ekushey Boi Mela ( book fair) 2023.

In a regular press briefing this correspondent has asked, “Critics of the Bangladesh ruling government are again being targeted as vehicles carrying a renowned civil society member and rights activist, Rizwana Hasan, came under attack by the ruling party activist. As you know, the Assistant Secretary Donald Lu recently visited, and he had a meeting with her. Meanwhile, a leading Bangladeshi book publisher, Adarsha publisher, known for its works by dissident writers, has been banned from the country’s largest book fair for criticizing the ruling prime minister and her father. They cannot allow the publisher access to the book fair. There are reports that the same publisher is being obstructed to open its pavilion in another book fair in India state, West Bengal. So what is your comment as we are recently seeing that assistant secretary is very much engaged on Bangladesh and asking for upholding human rights situation and free, fair, and credible elections?”

In response, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said, “Let me say a couple of things. As it relates to your first question, the United States will not hesitate to speak out publicly in support of those everywhere who are fighting for recognition of their human rights and dignity. Around the world, democracy and respect for human rights are foundational to peace, economic prosperity, and stability. These values are inextricably linked.”

“What I will say to your second question about the publisher, we continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles, such as the freedom of expression, as human rights that contribute to strengthening our democracies,” the spokesperson added.

On January 26, a group of youths allegedly led by Zahurul Islam alias Jashim, councillor of Uttar Pahartali ward under the Chattogram City Corporation attacked and assaulted Rizwana at about 1:30pm when she, along with her team, was visiting a spring, which is claimed to have been filled by razing hills in Lake City residential area.

The attackers allegedly hurled stones at her vehicle and blocked their way until the police freed them later.

Meanwhile, publishing house Adarsha, which is known for its works by dissident writers, had been banned from the country's leading book fair, in the latest government clampdown on its critics.

MN/