The United States has condemned the brutal attacks against thousands of protesters who are on the streets with the demand of safe roads. Describing the right of protesting as a democratic one, a post on the verified Facebook page of the US Embassy in Dhaka yesterday also said that Washington does not condone the destruction of property, buses and other vehicles by a few. “The peaceful demonstrations of the past week in favor of better vehicle and road safety, led by students and school children across Bangladesh, have united and captured the imagination of the whole country,” states the post.

“While we do not condone the actions of a few who have engaged in senseless property destruction, including of buses and other vehicles, nothing can justify the brutal attacks and violence over the weekend against the thousands of young people who have been peacefully exercising their democratic rights in supporting a safer Bangladesh,” it said.

Meanwhile, a press release of the embassy yesterday said a vehicle carrying US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat was attacked by a group of men on Saturday night in Mohammadpur area of the capital,

However, there were no injuries to the envoy, her drivers and security staff. Two security vehicles sustained some damages, it said.

“An official vehicle from the US embassy in Dhaka, which was transporting the Ambassador, was attacked by a group of armed adult men, some on motorcycles, in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka on Saturday, August 4,” said the embassy press release.

 “We express our appreciation to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and security officials for their quick and professional response following the incident,” it added.

When contacted, a senior official of the foreign ministry, who is responsible to deal with the security of the foreign missions and diplomats, told The Independent that the US embassy has communicated with the ministry and that they have been assured of all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the ambassador as well as other diplomats.

He also said that the incident is considered to be serious by the government and it is being investigated by the law enforcing agencies.

“Yes, the US embassy in Dhaka has communicated with us in relations to the unfortunate incident on Saturday night. We have assured them of our best effort to ensure the safety and security of the ambassador as well as other diplomats.”

The incident took place on Iqbal Road in Mohammadpur area after the US ambassador went there to attend a farewell dinner hosted by SHUJAN’s Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar at his residence.

“I organised a dinner in honour of outgoing US ambassador at my residence. Some 20-25 people attacked the ambassador’s vehicles outside my house,” Majumdar told The Independent at the early hours yesterday.

“Fortunately, the ambassador in her vehicle managed to leave unhurt,” he said. Later, Majumdar said, “The miscreants attacked my house causing extensive damage.”

A number of eminent personalities, including Dr Kamal Hossain and Hafizuddin Ahmed, also attended the dinner, he added.