Envoy Jacobson meets Yunus: US calls for free, fair elections

Staff Reporter
US Charge d’Affaires Jacobson underscored the importance of free, fair, and inclusive elections for the formation of a new government. She inquired about the recently launched “Operation Devil Hunt” by the country’s security forces.

On the other hand, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called for sustained US support for Bangladesh’s rebuilding initiatives, including key projects and reform measures.

He urged the US administration to maintain its USAID assistance to Bangladesh, stressing that this is not the appropriate time to halt such vital aid.

Prof Yunus made these remarks during a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires to Bangladesh, Tracey Ann Jacobson, at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on Tuesday.

The discussions covered a range of topics, including the government’s reform agenda, the Rohingya crisis, migration issues, free and fair elections, and the country’s law and order situation, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

Regarding the US decision to suspend USAID operations globally, Prof Yunus emphasised the critical need for continued US support during this pivotal period of reform and restructuring in Bangladesh. “This is not the time to stop,” he remarked.

The Chief Adviser highlighted his recent efforts to foster dialogue with political parties in Bangladesh. He explained that after reaching consensus on reform measures, political parties would sign the July Charter to facilitate their implementation.

In response, Prof Yunus stressed the need to break the cycle of revenge and build a foundation of peace and harmony. “We are all children of this nation.

There should be no place for revenge,” he stated, adding that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to prioritise human rights in their operations.

The Chief Adviser expressed his gratitude to the US administration for its continued humanitarian assistance for the one million Rohingya refugees residing in Bangladesh, noting that this aid remains among the most critical.

Additionally, he raised concerns over the US decision to suspend support for essential projects in Bangladesh, including the life-saving work of the internationally acclaimed health research organisation ICDDR,B.

He highlighted ICDDR,B’s remarkable contributions to reducing deaths from diarrhoea and cholera to nearly zero in countries like Bangladesh and Haiti.

The meeting underscored the mutual commitment of both nations to fostering peace, progress, and effective governance in Bangladesh.