Momen requests Blinken to reconsider RAB sanctions

Dhaka sent a letter to Washington requesting to reconsider its sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and some of its former and current officials.

In a letter, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen requested US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to reconsider their decision to impose sanctions on RAB.

Earlier on December 10, the United States imposed sanctions on dozens of people and entities tied to Bangladesh, China, Myanmar and North Korea.

Among them, former RAB chief Benazir Ahmed, who now serves as the inspector general of Bangladesh Police, and six other officials who have connection with serious human rights abuse.

These five include RAB Director General Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun; Tofayel Mustafa Sorwar, former additional director general (operations); Khan Mohammad Azad, additional director general (operations) of RAB; Mohammad Jahangir Alam, former additional director general (operations); and Mohammad Anwar Latif Khan, former additional director general (operations).

Besides, the US State Department barred Benazir Ahmed from traveling to the United States.

ARR