Cablegate: Bangladesh: Limited Reaction to Hostilities

VZCZCXRO9914
RR RUEHCI
DE RUEHKA #4339 1970910
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 160910Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY DHAKA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9750
INFO RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT 0033
RUEHLM/AMEMBASSY COLOMBO 7503
RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD 1197
RUEHKT/AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU 8607
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 1489
RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 9210
RUEHNC/AMEMBASSY NICOSIA 0057
RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV 0122
RUEHCI/AMCONSUL CALCUTTA

UNCLAS DHAKA 004339

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA, SCA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER PGOV ASEC BG IS LE
SUBJECT: BANGLADESH: LIMITED REACTION TO HOSTILITIES
BETWEEN ISRAEL AND LEBANON

1. Bangladeshi reaction to the hostilities between Israel
and Lebanon has thus far been muted. Responding to media
questions, a spokesman for the MFA condemned Israeli attacks
and called on Israel to halt its "aggressive" actions. The
BDG has not issued a formal statement.

2. Media reporting is largely drawn from the major wire
services. Although most Bangladeshi newspapers have not yet
commented on the hostilities, those that have are critical of
the U.S. for failing to condemn Israel. (Media reaction
reported septel.)

3. Sources reported a few small protests following Friday
prayers (July 14), with the largest attracting fewer than
1500 participants. By contrast, a rally that day by garment
workers calling for implementation of recent labor agreements
drew 3,500-4,000 participants. The Islamic Constitution
Movement held a small protest on July 15 and burned an
Israeli flag. They have announced another protest for July
17. Of the six public rallies announced for July 16, none
was organized to protest the Israeli actions in Lebanon.
BUTENIS

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