US for probing killing of drug suspects extra-judicially

File photo of US state department spokesperson Heather Nauert
File photo of US state department spokesperson Heather Nauert

The United States on Wednesday said they want to see the government of Bangladesh to fully meet its human rights obligations while conducting its drive against drugs, reports UNB.

"While illegal drugs are a scourge across the world, Bangladesh should ensure its law enforcement respect human rights and that their conduct is consistent with international standards and Bangladesh's own constitution, which includes a presumption of innocence and the right to due process," said US state department spokesperson Heather Nauert.

In a press statement, Nauert said they are concerned by reports that at least 147 people have been killed and 21,000 arrested since early May by Bangladeshi security forces in a nationwide counter-narcotics campaign.

"We urge Bangladesh to conduct thorough and transparent investigations into all credible reports of extrajudicial killings," the press statement added.