Recent attacks denounced by majority of Bangladeshis

The United States says the recent spate of attacks in Bangladesh has been denounced by the overwhelming majority of Bangladeshis.

“…we're troubled by the recent spate of extremist attacks in Bangladesh. We're confident, however, that these attacks do not represent the views of and are rejected by the overwhelming majority of Bangladeshis,” a US State Department spokesperson said on Thursday.

Elizabeth Trudeau, director of press office of the department, was speaking at a daily press briefing in Washington DC.

Replying to questions on Bangladesh, she said the attacks were being carried out by a small group of “terrorists” who seek to stifle independent thought and violently attack those who disagree with them.

“We believe the government is working to address this problem. Our focus is on supporting their efforts to do so effectively while still respecting human rights.”

Trudeau said Bangladesh has a proud and historic tradition of being a pluralistic society that values diversity and welcomes the free exchange of ideas.

“These are the very values that these extremists are attacking,” she said.

When she was asked to what extent extremist organisation like al-Qaeda or ISIS established their foothold in Bangladesh, the US State Department spokesperson said,” I believe the Government of Bangladesh has spoken specifically to your question.”

She also said the US would continue to stand with the Bangladesh government as they took a look at violent extremism across the spectrum.

Since February 2013, five secular online activists, a publisher, a gay rights activist and his friend have been hacked to death allegedly for their secular writings and views by militants in Bangladesh.