US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Wednesday (January 17, 2024) said he looks forward to working closely with Bangladesh in the coming months on issues of mutual importance.  He mentioned climate change, expanding business opportunities, and other areas of cooperation to advance the relations.  Read more: Blinken meets labor union leaders at Davos Summit "I look forward to working very closely in the coming months to advance our mutual interest," he told reporters after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  He said it was an opportunity to talk about the future of the US-Bangladesh relationship.  Later, the Foreign Minister met EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley.  Read more: Lavrov to Hasan Mahmud: Russia-Bangladesh ties based on solid foundation of friendship

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at State Guesthouse Padma this morning (November 30, 2023) where they discussed ongoing developments in bilateral relations. “Ambassador Haas and FS Momen had a routine meeting to discuss ongoing developments in the bilateral relationship,” US Embassy in Dhaka said after the meeting. Also read: US Ambassador Peter Haas holding meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen The meeting began around 11 am and lasted for 30 minutes. Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States, Muhammad Imran, was also present at the meeting. Haas and Foreign Secretary Masud did not speak to the reporters waiting outside the venue. The US ambassador returned to Dhaka on Monday after a holiday. It is worth noting that the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC has said the political context of the US “Presidential Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally” has many reasons “to be alarmed.” “Politics is behind what is said about labor rights in the memorandum, and the US would try to use the political purpose in different ways,” said the embassy in a letter based on observation it made on the recently launched US initiative. Also read: US with us, we are with US: Bangladesh Foreign Minister The US Presidential Memorandum was rolled out on November 16. The United States said it will work to “hold accountable those who threaten, intimidate, attack union leaders, labor rights defenders, labor organizations – including using things like sanctions, trade penalties and visa restrictions” – all the tools in their kit. The “memorandum” is a signal for Bangladesh as the US may take any measure as described in it with the excuse of labor issues, the letter from Bangladesh embassy in Washington, seen by UNB, reads. “The memorandum may also have an impact on Bangladesh’s apparel sector, and it should be taken into cognizance with priority by the concerned stakeholders,” it said. Also read: Dhaka has “excellent” relations with US: Hasan Mahmud

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas is holding a meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at State Guesthouse Padma. The meeting began around 11 am today (November 30, 2023). Issues being discussed at the meeting could not be known immediately.   It is worth noting that the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC has said the political context of the US “Presidential Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally” has many reasons “to be alarmed.” “Politics is behind what is said about labor rights in the memorandum, and the US would try to use the political purpose in different ways,” said the embassy in a letter based on observation it made on the recently launched US initiative. Read: US Ambassador Peter Haas returns to Dhaka The US Presidential Memorandum was rolled out on November 16. The United States said it will work to “hold accountable those who threaten, intimidate, attack union leaders, labor rights defenders, labor organizations – including using things like sanctions, trade penalties and visa restrictions” – all the tools in their kit. Read: Repeatedly raised concerns about threatening rhetoric directed at Peter Haas with Bangladesh govt: US Embassy The “memorandum” is a signal for Bangladesh as the US may take any measure as described in it with the excuse of labor issues, the letter from Bangladesh embassy in Washington, seen by UNB, reads. “The memorandum may also have an impact on Bangladesh’s apparel sector, and it should be taken into cognizance with priority by the concerned stakeholders,” it said. Read more: Try to figure out a way to have dialogue without pre-conditions: Peter Haas urges parties

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas today (October 31, 2023) hoped that all sides going forward will engage in a “dialogue” without preconditions to de-escalate tensions and find a path forward to free, fair and peaceful elections. “Political violence by any side has no place in democratic elections,” he said after his meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal at the EC office. US Ambassador Haas also urged to avoid any action that undermines the democratic election process, including the use of violence, preventing people from exercising their rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and internet access – calling to question the ability to conduct free and fair elections. Read more: US says killing of a police officer and a political activist, burning a hospital and buses are unacceptable Thanking the CEC for his time, the US ambassador said during their meeting, he urged for transparency and accountability in the Election Commission’s unique constitutional role in essential work towards organizing elections. He said that free and fair elections, as they all know, happen over weeks and months before the actual day votes are cast. US Ambassador Haas said voters, political parties, government, security forces, civil society, media and the Election Commission all are responsible regarding that. Read more: CEC to meet president on Nov 5 regarding announcement of nat’l election schedule

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas today (October 09, 2023) said that they firmly believe that “competition” in the Indo-Pacific is not about forcing countries to choose, but it is about offering an alternative vision based on respect, prosperity, and partnership. “It’s my hope that our definition of competition in this region allows us to renew our sense of purpose and reinvigorate our commitment to a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific,” he said. The US ambassador was speaking at a plenary session on “Defining Competition in the Indo-Pacific”, moderated by Zillur Rahman, executive director of Centre for Governance Studies and chairman of Bay of Bengal Conversation. Read: Indo Pacific not political, but a natural region: Ram Madhav Jeremy Bruer, Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh; Lilly Nicholls, Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh; and Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, also spoke at the event. “Together,” Ambassador Haas said, they stand as stewards of stability, prosperity, and inclusivity. By championing democracy, human rights, and open dialogue, he said, the US is paving the way for a region that not only endures but thrives. “Through the recognition of our sovereign foreign policy prerogatives, we forge partnerships that are based on mutual respect, shared aspirations, and, especially in the case of our friends on this panel, partnerships and alliances that transcend borders and stand as a testament to our collective commitment to a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” said the US ambassador. Quoting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Ambassador Haas said, “The Indo-Pacific region must be an area of peace and prosperity for all. Our vision for the region is to have a free, open, peaceful, secure, and inclusive region.” Read: Indo Pacific should be centrally about people: ORF President  The United States wholeheartedly agrees to this vision, he said. Looking to the future, Haas said, it is in everyone’s interest to protect that freedom, that openness. “And I’d also like to add to that diversity, that makes the Indo-Pacific such a dynamic engine of growth and prosperity, not just for the citizens of the region, but for the entire world.” He said they collectively champion a resolute commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, fostering robust economic integration, and safeguarding the sanctity of maritime commons. “We are also collectively committed to relying on our alliances and partnerships with each other, and others in the region, to achieve these aims. This is absolutely central to our approach,” he said. Read: Young leaders' passion, innovation invaluable in tackling climate challenges: Ambassador Haas The US ambassador said they applaud Bangladesh’s vision of a “free, open, peaceful, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific” and note significant overlap with their own, including on issues such as freedom of navigation and overflight; open, transparent, and rules-based multilateral systems; and environmental resilience. “Here we also underscore that just as we seek a free and open region, we believe we can only truly fulfil these visions when we apply those principles domestically as well,” Haas said.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has said that they are prepared to extend support to the declared goal of a “free, fair and peaceful” election in Bangladesh. He said USA’s goal is not to interfere in the election but to support the goal that allows people to freely choose who they want to run the country. “We speak out frequently in support of the goal,” said Ambassador Haas. Also read: UNHCR welcomes S Korea’s contribution of USD 1 million for Rohingyas in Bangladesh The US ambassador also said it is the collective responsibility of the entire world to make sure that conditions are in place in Myanmar so that the Rohingyas can return to their homeland with dignity. “They need to be protected, educated, and they need to enjoy dignity where they are living,” he said while attending an event as a keynote speaker. The US ambassador said the Rohingyas should not be punished for the action taken by Myanmar and they should be treated well without any discrimination towards them. Ambassador Haas laid emphasis on constant collective pressure on Myanmar, noting that the solution to the crisis unfortunately is not so easy. He said they are also exploring the option of resettlement, but it offers very limited opportunity as it is meant for only the most vulnerable people. Also read: Thailand provides  assistance to support WFP’s food aid for Rohingyas in Bangladesh The ambassador also highlighted the importance of holding people responsible for the genocide. He appreciated Bangladesh’s generosity in providing shelter to the Rohingyas; otherwise, he thinks the situation would have been far worse. On the occasion of International Day of Peace, the US ambassador said: “The essence of International Peace Day is to remind us of the critical role of peace in addressing global challenges.” Chaired by Professor Atiqul Islam, NSU’s Vice-Chancellor, the session, held at NSU’s main auditorium, experienced the full-capacity of 1200 audience comprised of students, faculties and officials of NSU. Welcoming all, Javed Muneer Ahmad, Chairman, NSU Board of Trustees, said that peace is the most precious resource now in a conflict-ridden world. Dr. Abdul Wohab, Coordinator, Center for Peace Studies (CPS) made opening remarks, highlighting CPS’s role in promoting peace, sustainability, and diplomacy through research, dialogue, and community engagement. Also read: UK to push for long-term solution to Rohingya crisis 

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Thursday (August 03, 2023) reiterated that the US does not support any particular political party but supports the democratic process that will allow the people of Bangladesh to choose their next government. "We believe everyone has a role to play, making sure that elections are free, fair and peaceful," he told reporters after his meeting with the Awami League delegation led by its General Secretary Obaidul Quader. Haas said the government, media, judiciary, political parties, civil society, security forces, and of course voters - each has a role in the democratic process. Also read: US Ambassador Haas holding meeting with AL leaders at Bangabandhu Avenue office "And each has to play their role and be allowed to play their role in order to have a free, fair and peaceful election," he said. On the question regarding the adamant stance of both Awami League and BNP over the issue of caretaker government, Haas said the US has no position whatsoever on that issue. "That is for political parties to decide what their approach is. We’re only concerned and interested in (ensuring) that there will be free, fair elections that are free of violence," he said. Also read: Not a violation of Vienna Convention: US ambassador on raising issues about domestic political affairs Responding to a question on whether the US is being more aligned with the BNP, Ambassador Haas said, "It's a weird question when I’m sitting at the Awami League headquarters. No, we meet with all political parties. We do not play favourites. I meet with both AL leaders and activists and ministers who are also part of the AL. There’s no preference; we meet people from all parts of society equally, and we do not play favourites." "I’ve met other political parties. I regularly visit media outlets, I speak frequently with civil society and interact with the police and security forces. And this is all part of what I do as the American ambassador," he said. Also read: US to send pre-election assessment and monitoring team in early Oct: Peter Haas In each of these meetings, he said, he repeats the same messages. "And these are US policies that we support a free, fair and peaceful election with no violence on the part of anyone." Ambassador Haas held the meeting with Awami League leaders at its central office. AL Presidium Member Muhammad Faruk Khan, International Affairs Secretary Shammi Ahmed, Information and Research Secretary Selim Mahmud, Office Secretary Biplab Barua and Executive Member Mohammad Ali Arafat were also present at the time. An official of the US embassy accompanied Peter Haas at the meeting. Also read: US calls on all parties in Bangladesh to respect fundamental freedoms and rule of law

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has said the story of Bangladeshis in the United States carries significance. “The strength of our democracy is in our people, and the strength of our people gets full expression in our democracy,” he said. Speaking at a reception marking the Independence Day (July 4) of United States on Sunday evening, Haas said that they believe the principles that define America, extend beyond its borders.  Read: EU's special representative for human rights due in Bangladeash Speaker of the Parliament, Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was the chief guest at the event. “And we also believe that those values with anchor US-Bangladeshi ties, now and in the future,” he said. The US celebrated its 247th Independence Day. In the United States, the ambassador said, Independence Day celebrations are a combination of patriotic speeches and backyard BBQs, of military parades and fireworks, and of music that runs the gamut from the “Star-Spangled Banner” to “Born in the USA” to “Bad to the Bone.” Read: Excited to see more Bangladeshi students choosing US for higher education: Ambassador Haas In short, they celebrate the principles upon which they were founded. “And we have fun doing it. And that is what we are here to do tonight,” said the Ambassador. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,” Haas said. “Standing here now, in 2023, I note these principles of equality and democracy don’t apply just to men, but also to women, and the whole diverse range of Americans, regardless of race, color, or creed,” he added. Read: People in support of fair polls have nothing to fear, Peter Haas says on new US visa policy The United States and Bangladesh share similar ideals that motivated struggles for independence, said the ambassador. Almost two centuries after 1776, Bangladesh fought the Liberation War based on four similar principles: nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism, he said. “These shared principles, and the success of our nations’ ability to continually ‘form a more perfect Union’ are – and will be – the anchor of US-Bangladesh relations,” he said. A special photo exhibition was held on the occasion that captured the spirit of George Thorogood’s tour, with a Bangladeshi twist. This exhibition showcases Bangladeshis who have made their homes in many of the 50 states of America.  Read: Bangladesh can draw more investment if corruption remains less prevalent: Peter Haas “These photographs are a testament to the diversity that flourishes within our borders, where people from all walks of life, including Bangladeshis, have found a place to call home,” said the US ambassador. “Through this exhibition, we witness the remarkable stories of Bangladeshis who have embraced the American dream, contributing their skills, culture, and heritage to the vibrant mosaic of our society,” he said. “Their presence all over the United States exemplifies the strength and resilience of the American people, a strength rooted in our shared values of liberty, justice, and equality,” Haas said.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Tuesday (May 30, 2023) said people who support free and fair election and work towards that end have nothing to fear regarding the new US visa policy.  “I don’t see any disagreement at all,” he told reporters, noting that they in the US want the same what the people of Bangladesh want – a free and fair election. Ambassador Haas made the remarks while responding to questions on the new visa policy after a function in Dhaka.  He said the US sees positive things rather than challenges. “We have a very strong partnership on trade, security relations, people to people ties, healthcare, and good conversation on the upcoming election.” Read more: Widened Dhaka-Washington relationship allows to freely debate on differences: Shahriar  Haas said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made a clear commitment to hold a free and fair election in Bangladesh.  US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in his announcement said the holding of free and fair elections is the responsibility of everyone—voters, political parties, the government, the security forces, civil society, and the media."  The ambassador spoke at the inaugural ceremony of a photo exhibition titled “Roots of Friendship:  50 Years of U.S.- Bangladesh Relations” at Edward M. Kennedy Center. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam spoke as the chief guest. Read more: New US visa policy to curb money laundering: Momen

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Tuesday lauded the success of Bangladeshi students on US campuses. “We’re thrilled by the increasing number of Bangladeshis who have chosen to study in the United States to improve their prospects and find their passion. These students make valuable contributions to Bangladesh and the United States,” he said. The Ambassador highlighted the increasing number of Bangladeshi students studying in the United States, with Bangladesh currently ranking 13th among the top sending countries of origin for students studying in the United States. Ambassador Haas inaugurated the largest US university fair in Bangladesh with prospective students and US institutions. Read more: Excited to see more Bangladeshi students are choosing US: Peter Haas