US sanction a warning, not punishment: Razzaque

The US sanction on the Rapid Action Battalion and its officials is a warning, not a punishment, Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque said on Sunday.

During a meeting with outgoing Ambassador Earl R Miller at the secretariat, Razzaque said he had criticised the US for putting Bangladesh on the same level as North Korea and Myanmar.

“They (the US) recognised the way Bangladesh was curbing militancy. They assumed that human rights had been violated in some cases and (the situation) should be improved,” Razzaque said.

He said the law enforcers “made mistakes in some cases”. “The authorities concerned have punished 195 RAB members.

Miller said he would speak with the authorities concerned after returning to the USA regarding the withdrawal of sanction,” the minister said.

On December 10, the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on RAB and seven of its current and former top officials for “human rights abuse and repression”. The sanctions were imposed on 15 individuals and 10 entities from North Korea, Myanmar, China, and Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen had termed the sanction “unfortunate” and “not fact based.” He said some NGOs and human rights groups lodged complaints against RAB in addition to the US’ own assessment.

‘Agri sector coordination to increase’

Minister Razzaque said Bangladesh’s agricultural sector had a long relationship with the US and acknowledged Washington’s help in agricultural research.

Ambassador Miller acknowledged the relationship between two countries in the agricultural and agro trading sector.

He said Bangladesh and US share a deep relationship in the agricultural sector. Agricultural trade increased a lot in the meantime.

“Bangladesh is now the 26th largest market for agro products. In the coming days, collaboration in agricultural sector will be increased,” he added.

Agricultural Attaches of US embassy Megan Francis was present in the meeting.