Author: Press Trust of India
Publication: www.expressindia.com
Date: December 1, 2001
URL: http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=5053
Washington, November 30: The United
States has urged Bangladesh to respect religious rights and human rights
and practise tolerance. Replying to questions over minority Hindus recently
coming "under attack" in Bangladesh, the US State Department Deputy Spokesman
Philip Reeker said: "I am not aware of the particular situation there in
recent weeks... I think we have been clear in our calls... for tolerance,
for respect for human rights, respect for religious freedoms and the norms
that that contains."
"And I think that it's important
for Bangladesh to pursue those aspects of a democracy so that they can
move ahead too and deal with the problems they have-the need for economic
development and reform," Reeker added.
He said the US will continue to
make its views clear and continue dialogue with Bangladesh on a variety
of issues in bilateral relationship.
