The Bangladesh government has once again urged the United States to withdraw sanctions against the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) over allegations of human rights violations. “I have reiterated our request to the under secretary of the withdrawal of the US sanctions on RAB,” the foreign secretary told journalists during a joint media briefing after the meeting. On Dec 10, 2021, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on RAB as well as seven of its current and former officers, citing serious human rights violations. The Bangladesh government has been continuously calling for the lifiting of the sanctions, but the US is refusing to do so, saying ‘it’s complicated’. The foreign secretary and Under Secretary Zeya discussed the protracted Rohingya crisis including achieving the ultimate goal of repatriation, challenges to humanitarian responses, and accountability measures, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Source: bd News24 July 13, 2023 19:38 UTC