US reiterates commitment to support interim government
The new Charge the Affairs of the US Embassy in Bangladesh Tracy Anne Jacobson has reiterated her country’s support for the interim government of Bangladesh on a range of issues, including development and counter-terrorism. She made the remarks during a meeting with Principal Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday.
Jacobson told Principal Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, “As a nation, we stand ready to support your government on a range of issues.”
The Principal Advisor discussed ongoing reform initiatives in Bangladesh, the government’s efforts to build political consensus on the July Declaration, and plans for the upcoming general elections.
Regarding the July Declaration, the Principal Advisor said, “He expects the political parties to reach a consensus by early February. So far, I have not heard any dissent on the Declaration. Once the political parties agree on the reform proposals, the government will request them to sign the July Charter.
“We do not know whether the content will contain many items or only a few items. It is a difficult task given the different views we have. But the process has begun. Once the agreement is signed, our politics will be based on the July Charter.”
The US Charge d’Affaires expressed concern over the arrest of several journalists and reports of violence against religious minorities. At the time, the chief advisor said, “His government is committed to ensuring justice for all in the country.”
In the hour-long meeting, the chief advisor and the US Charge d’Affaires in Dhaka also discussed Dhaka’s relations with neighboring countries, progress in resolving the Rohingya crisis, and the security situation in Myanmar.
The chief advisor said, “Bangladesh values its relations with all neighbors. ’
She said, highlighting her recent steps to revive SAARC and transform the countries into a platform like the European Union, ‘This is how the idea of SAARC came about and we are its initiators.’
She thanked the US for providing humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees and sought support for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh and the creation of a safe zone for displaced people in Rakhine State, Myanmar.
Noting that Bangladesh is the top cotton importer of the US, the Principal Advisor urged the US to import more garments and textiles. Senior Secretary for SDGs Lamia Morshed was present at the time.
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