US Congressman Gregory W Meeks has said he does not believe wholesale sanctions on Bangladesh are currently warranted as, he thinks, targeted sanctions are useful. 

“I believe sanctions can be most useful when they are targeted and don’t believe wholesale sanctions on Bangladesh are currently warranted," said the Congressman in a statement following the designation of the Rapid Action Batallion.

Meeks said he looks forward to working to help address human rights and democracy challenges in Bangladesh ensuring free elections.

READ: No possibility of expansion of sanctions: Shahriar

"I continue to support the strengthening of the US-Bangladesh relationship and look forward to working to help address human rights and democracy challenges in the country, including ensuring that the country’s next elections are free and fair," said Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, in a statement on Friday. 

However, he said, he strongly supports the Biden Administration’s designation of the Rapid Action Battalion and several of its current and former members under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability Act for human rights violations.

READ: No US plan to impose sanctions on Bangladesh: Congressman Meeks