Dastagir Jahangir, Editor, Thevoice.news
At a regular briefing by the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, Dastagir Jahangir, Editor, Thevoice.news asked about several issues concerning Bangladesh. These included the matter of Advisor Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan allegedly carrying ammunition magazines through the airport, and the demolition of an unauthorized Hindu mandap (pavilion) in Khilkhet.
However, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce made some brief and diplomatic comments when asked about Bangladesh-India relations.
During the briefing, Journalist Dastagir Jahangir, asked for Tammy Bruce’s reaction:
“At the recent Quad meeting, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said India reserves all rights to defend itself against terrorism and hopes other Quad members understand this. Given India’s long border with Bangladesh, how do you react in light of this, especially considering the discovery of ammunition—allegedly linked to anti-government protests last year—in the luggage of interim government advisor Asif Mahmud at the airport last week, and the demolition of a Hindu Durga temple in Khilkhet using bulldozers last week?”
In response, the U.S. spokesperson said,” I understand there are complex issues blletween India and Bangladesh. For more information, I would recommend checking State.gov, where you’ll find many details and joint statements from Defense Secretary Marco Rubio regarding the Quad meeting. That’s what we can share about that meeting.”
She further added, “I will not comment on the Defense Secretary’s views on the U.S., India, or any other country because this is a diplomatic matter. For more details, I recommend reviewing the joint statement.”
