Both leaders expressed their commitment to respecting and protecting the human rights of all people, regardless of religion

United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Monday held discussions with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, reaffirming the United States' commitment to supporting a "prosperous, stable, and democratic" Bangladesh.

During a telephone conversation, both leaders emphasised the importance of protecting human rights for all individuals and discussed ways to address the challenges Bangladesh is facing, the White House said in a statement.

It added, "Both leaders expressed their commitment to respecting and protecting the human rights of all people, regardless of religion. Sullivan re-iterated the United States' support in meeting the challenges Bangladesh faces." 

Earlier on December 12, National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby in a White House press briefing had said that the country as well as President Joe Biden were closely following the events in Bangladesh "The security situation in Bangladesh has been difficult following the ouster of the former prime minister, and we've been working closely with the interim government to enhance the capability of their law enforcement and security services to deal with the challenge," Kirby had said.

He added, "We've been very clear in our engagement with all Bangladeshi leaders that protection of religious and ethnic minorities is absolutely critical, and the leaders of the interim government have repeatedly committed to providing security to all Bangladeshis, regardless of religion or ethnicity."