U.S. urges Bangladesh to probe extrajudicial killings

The United States urged the Government of Bangladesh to investigate all extrajudicial killings in anti-drug operations, U.S. Department of State spokesperson Heather Nauert said on Wednesday.

She said that the extrajudicial killings resulted from counter-narcotics operations by the country’s national security forces.

“We urge Bangladesh to conduct thorough and transparent investigations into all credible reports of extrajudicial killings,’’ she said.

Nauert expressed concerns about reports that at least 147 individuals have been killed and 21,000 arrested since May in operations by Bangladesh law enforcement.

Bangladesh must ensure its law enforcement respect human rights and that their conduct is consistent with international standards and Bangladesh’s own constitution,’’ Nauert said.

The United States expects the government of Bangladesh to fully comply with international norms and fulfil its human rights obligations, Nauert added.