Staff Reporter :
The three-member US delegation concluded their visit on Monday after conducting a series of meetings with various government stakeholders and expressing the Biden administration’s willingness to collaborate with Bangladesh on multiple fronts, including the Indo-Pacific, security, and investment.
During a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud at the Foreign Ministry on Sunday, the delegation reiterated the US’s support for a prosperous, secure, and democratic Bangladesh. Following the meeting, the US Embassy Dhaka tweeted, “We discussed with the Foreign Minister how our two countries can collaborate on mutual interests, including economic development, security, refugees, climate, labor, and trade. Bangladesh is an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Commenting on the meeting, Hasan Mahmud stated that they extensively discussed the new chapter in relations between the two countries.
“The US is a significant development partner of Bangladesh. We delved into how we can deepen bilateral relations by opening new chapters,” he told journalists.
The minister also mentioned discussions on the Rohingya issue and emphasized the importance of resolving the crisis, with the US government recognizing Rohingya repatriation as the sole solution and advocating for their dignified return to their homeland.
Regarding inquiries about discussions on sanctions against Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the minister stated, “The US has provided five observations. Bangladesh will present its steps before them.”
In addition to meeting with the foreign minister, the delegation also held talks with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.
The delegation includes Eileen Laubacher, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia at the US National Security Council (NSC); Michael Schiffer, USAID Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Asia; and Afreen Akhter, US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia (SCA).
Later in the day, the delegation also met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman to discuss the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including investment.
In a tweet, the US Embassy Dhaka highlighted the longstanding partnership between the US and Bangladesh, providing over $8 billion to address various issues such as public health, education, energy, environment, food security, and natural disasters.
