Washington, DC - The United States is shocked and saddened by the attack against former Foreign Secretary Riaz Rahman, and hope for his speedy recovery.

There is no justification for such outrageous and cowardly acts in a democratic Bangladesh; we condemn the use of violence for political objectives. We urge the government of Bangladesh to investigate, track down, and hold accountable those responsible for these acts. We urge all sides to refrain from acts of violence. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and eschew violence and intimidation, and we urge the government to ensure people can freely exercise their right to peaceful political expression.