USA has vowed to assist Bangladesh’s interim government in promoting economic opportunities, strengthening institutional capacity, and safeguarding human rights. This pledge was made during a meeting between a senior US delegation and Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. The delegation also held discussions with other key officials on fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and advancing sustainability initiatives.
On 15th September 2024, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s interim government in expanding economic opportunities, enhancing institutional capacity, and promoting human rights. This pledge followed a meeting between a senior US delegation and Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.
“We are dedicated to helping Bangladesh broaden its economic prospects, build institutional strength, uphold human rights, and address climate risks,” the US Embassy in Dhaka posted on X after the talks. The US delegation was led by Brent Neiman, Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the US Department of Treasury, and included Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia at the US State Department, according to The Daily Star.
The US officials also met with Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed to discuss strategies for economic growth, job creation, and sustainability efforts. Following the discussions, the US Embassy expressed support for Bangladesh’s development path, highlighting engagement with international financial institutions to bolster growth.
The six-member delegation, which arrived in Dhaka on Saturday, is also scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and attend a working lunch hosted by the Foreign Secretary at the state guest house Padma. Earlier, the US State Department emphasized that the meetings would focus on how the US can contribute to Bangladesh’s economic development, financial stability, and key growth priorities.
According to some media sources, the role of USA in ousting the Hasina regime is questionable. Though nothing has been clearly established as far as these speculations are concerned.
A major outcome of the visit was the signing of a deal between USAID and Bangladesh that will pave the way of grant for $200 million to Dhaka. “@USAID signed an agreement worth $200 million with the Bangladesh interim government to advance development, empower youth, strengthen democracy and governmence, improve health and expand trade and economic opportunities to people across the country,” said the USAID Bangladesh in a statement after the agreement.
The deal was signed by Finance adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin briefed the journalists and said that the discussion with the U.S. delegation covered all issues that fell in the domain of “bilateral ties”, indicating that India-Bangladesh ties did not feature in the talks. In response to a question about possible meeting between Mr. Yunus and U.S. President Joe Biden in New York, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin said that a bilateral meeting was not yet on the cards but indicated that an interaction was possible as there are planned social events on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly’s annual session.
