DHAKA: The United States has asked all parties in Bangladesh to exercise restraint and refrain from violence, a day after top Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Quader Mollah was executed.

"We are aware that his execution took place on Thursday, now is a very sensitive moment in Bangladesh, and that we strongly urge all parties to exercise restraint, to refrain from violence and express their views peacefully," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf told reporters.

Mollah, 65, was executed last night for genocide during Bangladesh`s 1971 liberation war, making him the first politician to be hanged for such crimes in the country.

"We`ve long urged the authorities to assure that trials are free, transparent and in accordance with international standards, but we`ve also urged all parties and their supporters to express their views peacefully, and again, to refrain from violence," she said.

"That`s really what we want to see here going forward," Harf said in response to a question.

Source: Economic Times
BDST: 1403 HRS, DEC 13, 2013
RS