AMBASSADOR VISITS KIBRIA FAMILY

UNCLAS DHAKA 004169 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM BG SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR VISITS KIBRIA FAMILY REF: A. STATE 111808 ¶B. DHAKA 3625 ¶1. (U) On July 9, the Ambassador paid a call on the Kibria family, the third in a series of five visits to families of victims of political violence. Asma Kibria, Shah Kibria's widow, son Reza (an academic formerly resident in Brisbane, Australia),daughter Nazli, Reza's wife, and several grandchildren were present. ¶2. (SBU) There were no new revelations. The Kibrias felt that a trial under the caretaker government would be a fairer one. They were hopeful that the latest petition to the High Court for further investigation might be fruitful since the government was ordered to show cause why the investigation should not reopened. Nazli Kibria said that in December there would be a 4-day walk from Dhaka to the place where her father was murdered and that U.S. members of Congress may participate. ¶3. (SBU) Mrs. Kibria said she had no plans "yet" to run for MP in her husband's constituency and the son, Reza, said he was considering running for a seat. They both stressed that they were not Awami League (AL) members but their views on the government and theories about the case were similar to commonly held AL opinions. ¶4. (SBU) The Ambassador stressed the USG's neutrality in the elections, and along with the international community would work to promote fair and free elections. She applauded the family for their quest for justice and their decision to work within the Bangladeshi legal system, despite its flaws. The Ambassador mentioned that U/S Burns had raised the case with Home Affairs Minister Babar during the latter's visit to Washington (Ref A). ¶5. (U) Media savvy, the Kibrias ensured extensive press coverage of the visit, which was reported in all the major English and Bangla language dailies. The coverage was generally favorable, focusing on the Embassy's theme of opposing political violence. The government, however, remains sensitive to any perceived criticism by foreign diplomats, and previously convoked the Ambassador over these visits. (Ref B.) BUTENIS