| Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 30, 2007 Taken Question at May 30, 2007 Daily Press Briefing: BangladeshQuestion: What does the State Department think of the authorities in Bangladesh arresting hundreds of people recently in an anti-corruption drive? Do we view this as a measure to quell corruption or do we see it as politically motivated? Answer: Combating corruption is a long-standing priority for the United States Government. We want to see anti-corruption and anti-crime efforts carried out in a manner that is fair and impartial to political interests. We have said consistently that the anti-corruption campaign must be conducted in accordance with the rule of law and international standards of human rights. Anyone detained should be charged or released, receive full due process in accordance with Bangladeshi law and international standards, and have access to a lawyer.
We believe that a timetable outlining the steps needed to create the conditions necessary for free, fair, non-violent, and transparent elections restoring fully democratic, civilian government should be announced as soon as possible. We want to see Bangladeshi officials and political leaders make decisions and take actions based on what best promotes stability, political reform, and a return to an elected, democratic government. |
 | |||
|
