Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said that the US sanctions on RAB may be lifted very soon. He also said that the US government is satisfied with the current activities of RAB.
He made these remarks while talking to some reporters at his secretariat office in the capital on Monday.
They (US) said Bangladesh is walking on the right path in lifting the ban. Your lawyer is doing a good job. If you maintain this pace your ban will end soon, the US minister was quoted as saying.
They have also given us a hint that if they have to issue bans in future, they will properly examine the issue before taking such decision, the home minister quoted the US minister as saying.
Journalists asked the home minister what was discussed in the courtesy meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu on Sunday. In response Kamal said that Donald Lu had a private meeting with some Bangladeshi ministers.
“He also had a sincere and cordial open discussion with me,” Kamal said adding, “A lot of issues were discussed. I think, they don't want Bangladesh to stop the way it is moving forward. The American government wants to see Bangladesh as a more prosperous country. They want the human rights of this country to be much better. They want fair elections in this country.”
He said, “We have told Donald Lu that we have dealt with terrorism, militancy, arson in the past which the US government had appreciated.”
When asked if there was any specific discussion lifting sanction on RAB, the Home Minister mentioned raising issues with the visiting US Minister on US government banning RAB. Reminding that in 2004 US had given training and weapons to RAB.
The Home Minister also said that he mentioned to the US Minister about self defence of RAB for which they have to take up arms. On the issue of accountability, the Home Minister said, “We have a magistrate for investigating every shooting incident. We take legal action accordingly.”
“A total of 18 members of RAB are currently serving jail terms. No one is above the law,” he further disclosed while meeting the US Minister.
“We have discussed these issues in detail. They also said RAB has done good work in the last two years. RAB has dealt well with militancy and narcotics, the senior minister added.
The Home Minister believes that the ban may be lifted soon and said, “They are saying that the ban will be lifted soon but the process is complicated.”
