DHAKA: The United States, the European Union and France condemned the killing of writer/blogger Ananta Bijoy Das in Sylhet, the latest attack against writers and bloggers in Bangladesh.
Acting Deputy Spokesperson Jeff Rathke of U.S. Department of State, in daily press briefings on Tuesday, condemned the brutal murder of Ananta Bijoy Das.
“We hope that the Bangladeshi authorities will find and bring the perpetrators to justice, and that all Bangladeshis strive to ensure space for the peaceful expression of ideas without fear of violence, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” Jeff Rathke added.
In reply to a query about US have any clue that who killed him and has been killing so many bloggers, the Acting Deputy Spokesperson said, “This has just happened. There is an investigation ongoing which the Bangladeshi authorities will lead, so I would refer you to them for any information of that sort.”
He added that of course, they are in contact with the government of Bangladesh about the case, but he doesn’t have any announcements to make.
Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh also condemned the brutal assault and killing of blogger Ananta Bijoy Das of Sylhet.
The EU Bangladesh office in its Facebook statement said, ‘Das is already the third blogger murdered this year in Bangladesh’.
‘The EU reiterates its strong attachment to freedom of expression as an essential element of a democratic society and calls for a prompt investigation to bring perpetrators to justice,’ the statement added.
The EU ambassador Pierre Mayaudon also expressed his condolences to the victim’s family.
Besides, condemning the killing of blogger Ananta Bijoy Das, France reiterated its attachment to the freedom of opinion and expression, including online expression.
France ambassador to Bangladesh Sophie Aubert conveyed the massage through issuing a press release on Wednesday.
The release reads: “This murder occurred three months after the murder of writer and blogger Avijit Roy, and one month after the murder of blogger Washiqur Rahman. France calls on the authorities to investigate these revolting acts.”
US, European Union and France also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and relatives of the slain blogger.
Earlier on Tuesday, Ananta Bijoy Das, a blogger and one of the organizers of Ganojagoron Mancho from Sylhet, was hacked dead by unidentified miscreants at Subidbazar area in Sylhet.
BDST: 1445 HRS, MAY 13, 2015
HB/RS/SMS
