Diplomats enquired about arrests, possible violations of rights to assembly and expression during quota protest: FS Momen
"Now they are talking about the number of arrests, whether any kind of force is being used or not, or whether freedom of expression, freedom of association or freedom of assembly was disrupted,” the foreign secretary said
Twenty-three diplomats today (1 August) enquired about the arrests centring on the quota reform protests, and whether there have been any violations of the rights of freedom of assembly and expression, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said today (1 August).
Briefing reporters after a meeting with diplomats and development partners of various countries at the State Guest House, he said the meeting was attended by representatives of Western countries, including ambassadors of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, India, Russia and Morocco.
The United Nations resident representatives and development partners were also present at the briefing, where the Prime Minister's Press Secretary Nayeemul Islam Khan gave a presentation.
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"Now they are talking about the number of arrests, whether any kind of force is being used or not, or whether freedom of expression, freedom of association or freedom of assembly was disrupted," he said.
He said it was pointed out to the diplomats that there was no problem with any peaceful assemblies yesterday.
"But where it was seen that peace was disturbed or public life was disrupted, there was some obstruction. Some arrests were made. But more or less, those who were peaceful did not face any problems," he said.
He said this proved that law enforcement forces or those in the field were showing enough tolerance.
"Teachers also organised a programme in Dhaka University today. I don't see anything being blocked there," he said.
