Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has described Bangladesh's relationship with the United States as "outstandingly warm and cordial," but noted that some quarters are trying to inject bitterness into this relationship through lies. The foreign minister said that the United States believes in democracy and human rights. "So, there is similarity in our views and thoughts with the United States. In principle, the two countries have similarities. However, some individuals may not appreciate our development," Momen said, calling upon the Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States to be vigilant. Govt can't guarantee violence-free election without support from all: FM Momen He urged the Bangladeshi diaspora to take a stand, regardless of their political affiliation, to challenge those who lie about Bangladesh. The foreign minister was speaking at a views-exchange meeting organized by the Bangabandhu Foundation in New York's Bangladeshi-dominated Jackson Heights on September 26. The foreign minister said, "We have remarkably friendly relations with the United States. America believes in the same principles and values we believe in. Bangladesh is the country where we have fought for democracy. Although we won the popular vote, we were not allowed to form the government in 1971. Rather, genocide was unleashed on us, and then Bangabandhu declared independence." FM Momen for strengthening trade, investment ties with African nations Momen said Bangladesh declared independence to establish democracy, justice, and human rights. "Because of this, we had to sacrifice three million lives during the Liberation War. Nowhere in the world have so many people sacrificed themselves for democracy and human rights in such a short period of time. We are the only nation in the world that has made such great sacrifices for democracy and human rights," he added. Referring to the replacement of the Digital Security Act, he said, the government accepted the suggestions provided by the United States as a friendly country. Read Cyber Security Bill before making comments: FM "The United States expects free and fair elections, and we are also committed to free and fair elections. But there are some people in our country who want to boycott the elections, they fear elections," the foreign minister said, referring to the opposition, that they are trying to thwart the election. The foreign minister said Bangladesh is now the 35th largest economy in the world. "If Bangladesh's current economic development continues, we will become the 26th largest economy in a few years. We have 17 crore people, so our own market is huge. That's why many people are interested in our country, because our per capita income has increased 5 times," he said. Momen said the poverty rate has been reduced by more than half. "All these have become possible due to the implementation of goal-oriented measures of the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina." Momen also said, "We are now self-sufficient in food. We are third in the world in fish and vegetable production. We are fourth in the world in rice production. Our agricultural land has shrunk, but food production has quadrupled. This has been possible due to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina." Momen said as Bangladesh is making progress, many people do not like the development activities of the country. "We are an independent, sovereign country. Our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has given us a beautiful foreign policy. And this principle is 'friendship to all, malice to none.' We believe in this principle. We follow a balanced foreign policy," said the foreign minister. Bangabandhu Foundation United States unit General Secretary Abdul Quader Mia was present at the event as a special guest. Other leaders including Moshiur Malek, Fakir Ilyas, Abdul Khalek Mia, New York Correspondent of Bangladesh Protidin Lovelu Ansar were present.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today said there is “no reason to worry” about new US sanctions, and described Bangladesh, US ties as “very good”. “The US puts sanctions in thousands. These (sanctions) come one way and go another way. There is nothing to worry or panic about,” he told reporters when asked whether the government is concerned about new sanctions from the US. Read more: We don't expect US to impose more sanctions: Shahriar Momen also said the US puts sanctions when they want to put pressure, and that there are examples of sanctions withdrawing those sanctions. Citing multifaceted engagements between the two countries, the foreign minister said the US comes up with suggestions at times as there is cordial relationship between the two countries. The US embassy said they raised the December 14 incident in Dhaka’s Shaheenbagh area at the “highest levels” of Bangladesh government, as well as with the Bangladesh embassy in Washington DC. Read more: US envoy meets Momen, shares displeasure over embarrassment “The US ambassador (Peter Haas) is a bit panicked about his security. Our ambassador said there is no reason to get panicked,” Momen had said on Monday. Earlier today, the foreign minister spoke as the chief guest at the BIISS Research Colloquium 2022. The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organized the event at the BIISS auditorium. BIISS Chairman Ambassador Kazi Imtiaz Hossain and its Director General Major General Sheikh Pasha Habib Uddin also spoke at the event. The event was divided into three sessions. In each session, three speakers presented their recent research that concerns Bangladesh's national interest. The session one was on Bangladesh’s regional and global outreach which was chaired by BIISS Chairman. Session two was on security and strategic affairs chaired by former Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh, General (retd) Md Abdul Mubeen. The third session highlighted “Diplomacy and Negotiations” which was chaired by Professor Dr Imtiaz Ahmed.

Adviser to the Prime Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, BB, has sought sincere cooperation of the US government to deport Rashed Chowdhury, the fugitive convicted killer of Bangabandhu, to Bangladesh immediately to face justice. The Energy Adviser was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar on Monday organised by Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC as part of the observance of the National Mourning Day and the 47th martyrdom anniversary of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam presided over the seminar titled "Deportation of the killer of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: A long pending issue in Bangladesh-US relations” and North Carolina Central University Professor Dr ABM Nasir presented the keynote paper at the event. Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, a gallantry award-recipient valiant  Freedom Fighter, said that the continued stay of Bangabandhu’s killer in the US was unfortunate given the excellent bilateral relations, and opined that extradition of Rashed Chowdhury would be a game-changer in Bangladesh-US relations. Also read: Momen to countries sheltering Bangabandhu’s killers: 'It's very unfair:' The Ambassador, in his remarks, gave an overview on the Awami League government’s efforts to secure deportation of Bangabandhu's self-confessed killer Rashed Chowdhury. The main objective of the seminar was to create greater awareness among the US citizens and Bangladeshi-American diaspora of the urgent need for extradition of the heinous killer of Bangabandhu to further solidify Bangladesh-US relations, Ambassador Shahidul Islam added. Professor Dr ABM Nasir, in his keynoter paper, said killer Rashed Chowdhury has committed crimes against humanity by brutally killing three children, two pregnant females and other unarmed civilians. He demanded of the US government to immediately detain and deport Rashed Chowdhury. Deputy Chief of Mission Ferdousi Shahriar moderated the seminar, while eminent actor Syed Hasan Imam, noted choreographer and dancer Laila Hasan, renowned newscaster Sarkar Kabir Uddin, valiant Freedom Fighter Harun Chowdhury, Counsellor of the Embassy Arifa Rahman Ruma and General Secretary of Washington Metro Awami League Shafiqul Azam Azad spoke at the seminar, among others. Also read: Fugitive killers of Bangabandhu will be brought back soon: Kamal The Prime Minister's Energy Adviser earlier inaugurated a 17-day long photo exhibition on the life and works of the Father of the Nation at Bangabandhu Auditorium, said a media release on Tuesday. The Embassy chalked out elaborate programs to pay deepest homage to Bangabandhu, the greatest Bengali of all time who was brutally assassinated along with most of his family members on the fateful night of August 15 in 1975. The day’s programs began in the morning with the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag at half-mast by Ambassador Shahidul Islam. The national anthem was played at this time. Later, the Ambassador accompanied by the Embassy officers, placed a floral wreath at the bust of the Father of the Nation at the Bangabandhu Corner. Messages of the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister were read out by Defence Attaché Brig Gen Md Shahedul Islam, Minister (Press) AZM Sajjad Hossain, Minister (Political-I) Dewan Ali Ashraf and Minister (Political-II) Md Rashedujjaman. Counsellor Mohammad Moniruzzaman and Counsellor and Head of Chancery Md Mahmudul Islam conducted the programs in the afternoon and morning respectively.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen Saturday said he received a letter from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken containing some good sentiments on Bangladesh-US ties. He said the US secretary of state expressed his hope to work on how they can create a new chapter in bilateral relations as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. Dr Momen is scheduled to visit Washington in early April and is scheduled to hold a meeting with his US counterpart.  The foreign minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after attending a programme in the city. Read: Dhaka-Washington "Partnership Dialogue” Sunday; Under Secretary Nuland in city Responding to a question, Dr Momen said the Bangladesh side will raise the sanctions issue during the Partnership Dialogue between the two countries Sunday. "It's an important issue. We should raise it," said Momen, adding: The US imposed the sanctions on seven individuals and Rapid Action Battalion without any prior consultation. Terming the US a friendly country, Dr Momen hoped that there would be a good discussion in the dialogue between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen is scheduled to leave here for Washington on Monday night (tonight) on a quick visit to have “broad-based” discussions with the USA.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has congratulated new US Secretary of State Antony John Blinken and shared Bangladesh’s willingness to work with the new US Administration closely to achieve common goals.