United States to back Hasina 'at this critical time'................

The United States says it will extend all support to the Awami League government "at this critical time" after the killings of army officers in the BDR mutiny.

"(Ambassador) James F Moriarty spoke with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday evening and expressed support for the newly-elected democratic government," a spokesperson of the American Centre told us Friday afternoon.

"He reiterated that we will do what we can to assist the government at this critical time," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the ambassador also expressed shock at the killing of army officers.

"We condemn the violence associated with protests at the headquarters of the Bangladesh Rifles in Bangladesh.

"We expressed our sympathy to those injured in the violence and condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones in the violence.

"Ambassador Moriarty also spoke to the Leader of the Opposition Begum Khaleda Zia to convey his appreciation of her party's support of the government at this time," said the spokesperson.