Rohingya population has faced ‘ethnic cleansing’ in Rakhine and there must be a political solution to this crisis, says US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Alice G Wells.

She made the remarks at a press conference at a Dhaka hotel on Monday after visiting Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazaar earlier in the day.

“The solution is a political one and it is critical that government of Myanmar takes steps that the UN has identified to ensure that Rohingyas can return in safety, be a citizen and have freedom of movement”, said the visiting US official.

She said people who have fled experienced the “worst kind” of violence and ethnic cleansing.

Washington is supportive to Bangladesh to implement the framework that has been negotiated with Myanmar for the repatriation of the Rohingyas, added Wells. “What I heard again and again is the strong desire to go back home.”

Bangladesh-US political relationship

The senior US diplomat said her country values strategic partnership with Bangladesh and wants to work with the country. “My final message is that the United States wants to be a partner of Bangladesh and it values strategic partnership with Bangladesh.”

Wells said she has admiration for Bangladesh for what it has achieved in lifting people out of poverty and investing on education and people.

“I see so much potential in US-Bangladesh relationship. We do believe that Bangladesh is really alive not just on the regional stage but on the global stage. The country is well-positioned to serve as a bridge, the country that can serve as a model for other countries in the region.”

Digital Security Act

About the recently-enacted Digital Security Act, the US official said they were concerned about it and would take up the concern with the government.

“We know the civil society has also commented on this. I hope there would be a dialogue between the government and civil society on how to improve the legislation.”

Drik founder Shahidul Alam is a well-known figure and respected photographer in the US, said Wells.  “We would like to see fair judicial process, he be treated fairly before the laws and in accordance of the Bangladesh constitution.”

Alam was arrested in August, hours after criticising the government's response to widespread student protests.

His detention has been widely seen as a test for freedom of speech in the country and has sparked worldwide demands for his release.

He has been charged with ‘spreading runours to incite violence’ and is being investigated under a controversial Section 57 of the Information and Communication Technology Act.

 “Of course we share the government’s concern about violence. Violence does not serve Bangladesh, Bangladesh’s stability and growth,” said the visiting US diplomat.

General election

The United States encourages a free, fair, credible election and all sides must have the opportunity to present their ideas, agenda and vision, said Wells. “What is happening today in Bangladesh is as important as what takes place on election day.”

About the perception that the US supports Dr Kamal Hossain-led alliance, she said, “I had asked the ambassador who this individual is in particular and so I think that’s an indication that the United States is not seeking or supporting one alliance or one party.”

The US supports a democratic process and it has nothing to do with a specific party or politician, she added.