US Assistant Secretary of State observesRab made ‘tremendous progress’ in ‘respecting rights’ while performing duties

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu has appreciated the “significant progress” made by Rab in “respecting human rights” while performing its duties.

Lu said they had a good discussion on Rab, and he referred to the recent statement issued by the Human Rights Watch that recognised "tremendous progress" in reducing extrajudicial killings.

"We recognise this. This is an amazing work. It shows that Rab is able to carry out its counterterrorism efforts and important functions while respecting human rights," he said.

Donald Lu said this during a press briefing at the foreign ministry on Sunday afternoon (15 January).

However, he did not make any specific comment regarding the withdrawal of sanctions on RAB.

On 10 December 2021, the US State Department imposed sanctions on RAB and seven of its former and current officials over human rights violations.

When asked about the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, Lu said it is "not a club", but it is a matter of joining or not joining.

“We had a very honest and open discussion,” Lu said.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen also spoke on the occasion.

State Minister Md. Shahriar Alam and US Ambassador Peter Haas were also present on the occasion.