State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam has invited US investment in Bangladesh and requested the USA authorities for providing duty-free market access to Bangladesh products.

The State Minister participated in a meeting with Wendy Sherman, Deputy Secretary of State of the USA on Wednesday and discussed the issues of mutual interest.

State Minister Alam called upon the international community, including the USA, to take urgent steps for ensuring safe, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland.

On bilateral issue, he raised the issue of deportation of Rashed Chowdhury, the self-confessed killer of Bangabandhu now living in the USA.

Recalling the earlier visit of Wendy Sherman to Bangladesh as the Assistant Secretary of State, State Minister Alam invited her to visit Bangladesh again in her new capacity.

Sherman thanked State Minister Alam for his substantive remarks, and recalling the long-standing relationship between Bangladesh and the USA, assured him of working further closely with Bangladesh in the coming days.

During the meeting, Alam also congratulated Ambassador Donald Lu, the newly appointed US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia.

He also met with other Ministers and senior officials from Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

State Minister Alam highlighted the social and economic progress achieved by Bangladesh even during the COVID-19 situation under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He talked about the climate challenges faced by Bangladesh and other climate vulnerable countries, and the pioneering role played by Bangladesh in addressing these challenges.

Earlier, State Minister Alam participated in the Ministerial meeting of the Community of Democracies.

He informed the Ministers of the actions taken by Bangladesh to establish, uphold, and strengthen democracy.

Alam underscored the importance of inclusivity and equality for ensuring democracy. He also highlighted the role that international community should play for strengthening global rule of law and multilateralism.

State Minister Shahriar Alam is now in New York for attending the 76th United Nations General Assembly as a member of the Bangladesh delegation led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.