Bangladesh plans to challenge diplomatically and legally the US decision to impose sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and some of its officials, foreign office high-ups said on Thursday.
Dhaka recently wrote to Washington to know details about the bans imposed and the latter replied that it would answer the letter in due time, they told the FE.
"We want to challenge their decision regarding the sanction diplomatically and legally," state minister for foreign affairs M Shahriar Alam said while commenting on the issue.
The high-ups of the ministry have reviewed different aspects of the sanctions and a strategy to withdraw the US official order is being devised.
According to Mr Alam, the US officials who were instrumental in making the decision are now facing questions for such a move.
No international forum or other country has supported their move, the state minister says, adding that he firmly believes the sanctions will not be expanded.
Bangladesh may hire a legal firm or lobbyist in the US to challenge this decision, according to Mr Alam.
"We are exploring the possibilities and in discussion with experts. If we appoint any firm, we will do that for the interest of the people, to protect our image and not to campaign for our party's ideals."
Mr Alam said BNP and their allies tried to fish in the troubled waters centring the sanctions but their efforts were in vain.
Rather, he added, there are indications that no further sanctions would be imposed on the country.
A foreign secretary-level meeting between the two countries will be held in April and the issue of sanctions be the major focus there, officials said.
Mr Alam said Bangladesh has made a commitment to development partners that it would take all-out steps to stop the misuse of the Digital Security Act (DSA).
"We've told them clearly that measures will be taken so that no journalist faces arrest under the DSA without the approval of a scrutiny committee or higher officials," he mentioned.
The European Union has proposed to assist the country in building capacity to stop the misuse of the law.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com