RAB made 'tremendous progress' in 'respecting rights' while performing duties: Top US diplomat
However, he did not mention any specific comment on withdrawn sanction on RAB
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu has said that Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has made "tremendous progress" in performing its duties while respecting human rights.
However, he did not make any specific comment regarding the withdrawal of sanctions on RAB. On 10 December 2021, the US State Department imposed sanctions on RAB and seven of its former and current officials over human rights violations.
"We recognise this. This is amazing work. It shows that RAB is able to carry out its counterterrorism efforts and important functions while respecting human rights," Donald Lu said during a press briefing at the foreign ministry on Sunday (15 January).
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He said they had a good discussion about RAB and he referred to the recent statement issued by Human Rights Watch that recognised "tremendous progress" in the area of reducing extrajudicial killings.
"We had a very honest and open discussion," Lu added.
When asked about the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, Lu said it is "not a club", but it is a matter of joining or not joining.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen also spoke on the occasion.
