U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher phoned Prime Minister Sheik Hasina this morning on behalf of Secretary of State Clinton to express continued support for the Government of Bangladesh and its people as they respond to the tragic aftermath of the Bangladesh Rifles mutiny. He lauded the government’s efforts to assist the survivors, honor those who were killed, and bring those guilty to justice.
Assistant Secretary Boucher stressed the importance of national unity during this crucial time and encouraged all Bangladeshis to work together to overcome with this national tragedy. He emphasized, in particular, the importance of cooperation between the government and the opposition to resolve the crisis. Mr. Boucher reiterated the United States’ willingness to render all possible assistance to the government.
In addition, Commander United States Pacific Command Admiral Timothy Keating wrote to Chief of Army Staff General Moeen Uddin Ahmed, ndc, psc on February 28 to express condolences for the loss of life. Ambassador Moriarty spoke with General Moeen on February 28 to applaud his leadership of the military in support of the new democratically-elected government at this crucial time.
The flag at the U.S Embassy in Dhaka is flying half-mast for the three days of mourning in condolence to the families who have lost loved ones in the violence and the people of Bangladesh.