The United States, if asked by Bangladesh, is ready to assist in the investigation of blogger and writer Avijit Roy killing, the US Department of State spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a press briefing on Saturday at Washington, DC.

‘On Bangladesh, the United States condemns in the strongest terms the brutal murder of Avijit Roy, which was horrific in its brutality and cowardice,’ said Psaki.

‘Avijit was a journalist, a humanist, a husband, and a friend, and we extend our condolences to his family and friends. He was taken from us in a shocking act of violence. This was not just an attack against a person, but a cowardly assault on the universal principles enshrined in Bangladesh's constitution and the country's proud tradition of free intellectual and religious discourse,’ Psaki added.

When asked whether the US believe it was anything more than just a murder or not, Psaki said, ‘We don’t have more information at this point. We, of course, will provide consular assistance as is appropriate.’

‘We’re also – stand ready to assist in the investigation if asked. Clearly, we know his background, which was why I outlined it, but don’t have anything to ascribe in terms of a motive in this case.’

Bangladeshi-born American blogger and writer Avijit Roy was killed and his wife, blogger Rafida Ahmed Bonna, severely injured when unidentified miscreants hacked them at TSC of Dhaka University on Thursday night.