Mushfiqul Fazal, State Department correspondent
Mentioning that the United States is aware of the reports of Boycott Indian Products campaign in Bangladesh, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has said that they will not make comments on any individual consumer’s decisions, whether it is in Bangladesh or anywhere around the world.
The spokesperson made the remarks when he was asked by State Department correspondent Mushfiqul Fazal at a briefing on Monday about media reports that the “India Out” campaign is growing larger in the south asia region.
The questioner in his question also mentioned that following the one-sided sham elections in Bangladesh, people are promoting a boycott of goods made in neighboring India, suspecting Indian authorities of covertly wanting to keep Sheikh Hasina in power.
In response Miller said, “So we are aware of the reports of this campaign. I’m obviously not going to comment on any individual consumers’ decisions, whether it’s in Bangladesh or anywhere around the world.”
“We value our relationship with both Bangladesh and India. We will continue to work with both countries’ governments to pursue our shared interests, including to ensure a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” the State Department spokesperson added.
Noting that Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) lawyer accused and sought legal action against the US ambassador in Bangladesh, Peter Haas, for his comments in favor of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammud Yunus, the questione in another question wanted to know the reaction of the State Department.
Clarifying the position of the US regarding its stance on Dr Yunus, Miller said, “We are aware of the comments in question. You have heard me speak before about the US Government’s concerns surrounding the cases against Muhammad Yunus, including that they could represent a potential misuse of Bangladesh’s laws to harass and intimidate the doctor.”
He further said, “Ambassador Haas simply reiterated those comments, acting in his capacity as the US Government’s highest ranking representative in Bangladesh.”
MR/
