U.S. Lawmakers Urge Sanctions on Bangladesh Officials

Following the resignation and flight of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, some U.S. lawmakers are advocating for sanctions against officials from her administration due to a violent crackdown on protests that resulted in over 300 deaths. The U.S. government has welcomed the formation of a new interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is tasked with organizing upcoming elections. Senator Van Hollen, along with five other congressional Democrats, has called for accountability for those responsible for the violence, specifically targeting General Secretary Obaidul Quader and Home Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. The U.S. State Department previously criticized Hasina's re-election as not free or fair, and has not yet responded to the proposed sanctions. Human rights organizations have accused Hasina of employing excessive force against demonstrators, a claim she has denied. The situation in Bangladesh remains tense as the new government seeks to stabilize the country amidst ongoing calls for justice and reform.