United News of Bangladesh

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen on Thursday reiterated strong US support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and lauded the interim government’s efforts towards the upcoming elections and wide-ranging reforms. The Ambassador called on National Security Advisor Dr Khalilur Rahman at the latter's office on Thursday afternoon and discussed issues of mutual interest. During the hour-long meeting, they discussed key aspects of Bangladesh-US relations, including the reciprocal tariff agreement, support to Rohingyas, immigration including visa bond and the return of undocumented Bangladeshis from the USA. American business and investment in Bangladesh, as well as regional issues of common concern were also discussed. Dr Rahman welcomed Ambassador Christensen as the new American envoy to Bangladesh and recalled his many contributions to promote bilateral relations during his previous stint in Dhaka and also in his various positions in the US government in Washington DC. He expressed the hope that the relations between the two countries will reach new heights during his current tenure, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Political and Economic Counsellor of the US embassy in Dhaka Eric Geelan was present during the meeting.  

Italy’s Undersecretary for Defence (Deputy Minister for Defence) Matteo Perego di Cremnago has described the Indo-Pacific as the new centre of global gravity, saying Italy is keen to strengthen ties with countries in the region, including Bangladesh, whose growing economy offers scope for charting a common path forward in the coming days. He said the Bangladeshi community is integrating well in Italy but raised concerns over illegal migration through the Mediterranean route. Italy expressed its full support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and the July Charter, which aims to introduce sweeping reforms for the country’s democratic renewal, the Italian Deputy Minister said on Tuesday during a courtesy meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. The two leaders held wide-ranging talks on issues including trade and defence cooperation, migration, the upcoming February 12 general elections and referendum, European Union election observation, and the July Charter, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Praising the July Charter, the visiting minister said Italy supports the comprehensive reforms outlined in the document. He also reaffirmed Rome’s backing of Bangladesh’s democratic transition through the February 12 vote.

China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday met National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and reaffirmed his government’s continued support for Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition and conveyed best wishes for the successful conduct of the forthcoming national election. The meeting was held in a 'cordial and constructive atmosphere' at the Chief Adviser's Office where both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. They reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and development cooperation between Bangladesh and China. Discussions included the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project and the proposed Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital. In this context, the Chinese Ambassador said he would visit the Teesta project area and reiterated China’s commitment to completing the ongoing technical assessment expeditiously, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations and reiterated their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation for mutual benefit.