BANGLADESH: LIMITED REACTION TO HOSTILITIES

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