BD-US
US expresses gratitude for Bangladesh’s 'prompt, constructive' response to its trade agenda
US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Nicole Ann Chulick on Tuesday expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s "prompt and constructive" response to their trade agenda.
Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi welcomed Nicole Chulick and her delegation to his office.
"I have further important discussions scheduled with the offices of USTR, Commerce and State department, in Washington DC next week," he said.
Dhaka, Islamabad to hold FS-level talks Thursday after 15 years
Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Andrew R. Herrup is also scheduled to visit Bangladesh this week.
“There will be discussions on all aspects of relations with the United States,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters while responding to a question regarding the visit recently.
15 days ago
Bikalpa Dhara leaders hold talks with former US diplomats
Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh leaders had an "insightful and engaging discussion" with William B. Milam, former US ambassador, and John F. Danilowicz, former US diplomat, on Tuesday evening, said its leader Mahi B. Chowdhury on Wednesday.
"Our discussions covered critical topics, including July spirit, democracy, leadership and the role of diplomatic engagement in fostering sustainable political change," Mahi said in a message in his verified Facebook account.
He said that it was a great honour to engage in a discussion with such experienced individuals who have directly shaped international policymaking. "Grateful for the opportunity to learn, share perspectives, and reaffirm our commitment to positive transformation in Bangladesh," he said.
Bikalpa Dhara presidium member Dr Rafiqul recovers from Covid-19
William B. Milam is a distinguished diplomat known for his service as the U.S. ambassador to both Bangladesh and Pakistan.
He played a crucial role in shaping U.S. policy in South Asia and has been deeply involved in issues of democracy, governance and human rights.
His insights on Bangladesh’s political evolution and the region’s democratic challenges were invaluable, Mahi said.
Danilowicz is an experienced diplomat and former U.S. official with extensive expertise in international relations and economic development.
His perspectives on governance, global diplomacy, and the strategic importance of Bangladesh in today’s geopolitical landscape were truly enlightening, Mahi said.
1 month ago
Expecting a consensus over ‘July Declaration’ by early Feb: Dr Yunus
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said he expects the political parties to reach a consensus over the “July Declaration” by early February.
“So far I have not heard any dissenting voices,” said Dr Yunus when new Charge d’ affaires of the US embassy in Bangladesh, Tracey Ann Jacobson, met him on Monday, calling the political exercise to build the consensus on the issue a “tough” one and added that the theme of the proposed proclamation is “unity.”
Ground is ready to take ties to greater fields: Dr Yunus tells Argentine Ambassador
The Chief Adviser spoke about the ongoing reform initiatives in Bangladesh, the government's efforts to build a political consensus on the July Declaration and the plan for the next general election.
He said the government will only play the role of a facilitator. "My job is building consensus. I am not pushing any ideas,” he added.
Dr Yunus said once the political parties agreed to the reform proposals, the government would request them to sign it to create a ‘July Charter’. “We don't know whether the contents will contain many items or a few items,” he told the US diplomat.
He went on to say, “It's a tough job given the varieties of opinion we have. But the process has started. Once signed, our politics will be based on the July Charter."
‘Will lead consensus-building commission’, Dr Yunus tells Australian envoy
Ambassador Jacobson reiterated the support of her country for the interim government on issues, including development and counter-terrorism.
“We are prepared as a nation to support your government on a variety of issues,” Jacobson told Dr Yunus during the meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna.
The US Chargé d’ affaires raised concerns over the arrest of some journalists and reports of some violence against religious minorities, according to the CA's press wing.
The Chief Adviser said his government is committed to ensuring justice for all in the country.
During the hour-long meeting, the Chief Adviser and the US Chargé d’ affaires also discussed Dhaka's ties with its neighbours, progress on resolving the Rohingya crisis and the security situation in Myanmar.
The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh values its relationship with all neighbours.
“That’s how the idea of SAARC came about, and we are the initiator of it,” he said, highlighting his recent moves to revive SAARC and transform it into a platform like the European Union.
CA Dr Yunus to visit 'Aynaghar' soon
He thanked the US for providing humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees and sought the country's support for the repatriation of the Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh and creating a safe zone for the displaced people in Myanmar‘s Rakhine State.
The Chief Adviser mentioned that Bangladesh is a top importer of US cotton and urged the country to import more apparel and textiles, which would mean a greater import of US cotton.
Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary to SDG affairs, was also present on the occasion.
3 months ago
Bangladesh welcomes Trump as 47th US president
Bangladesh on Monday welcomed US President-elect Donald Trump and reiterated that the two countries will work together to open new areas of cooperation as he begins a new term.
Referring to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus's congratulatory message to Donald Trump on his election as President of the United States, a spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday evening said the chief adviser expressed his strong belief that the two countries will work to open up new areas of cooperation between the two countries.
"We reiterate that belief and wish Donald Trump all the best as he begins his new term," he said.
Donald Trump, who overcame impeachments, criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts to win another term in the White House, will be sworn in as the 47th president on Monday, taking charge as Republicans assume unified control of Washington and set out to reshape the country’s institutions.
‘Will lead consensus-building commission’, Dr Yunus tells Australian envoy
Trump will act swiftly after the ceremony, with executive orders already prepared for his signature to jumpstart deportations, increase fossil fuel development and reduce civil service protections for government workers, promising that his term will bring about “a brand new day of American strength and prosperity, dignity and pride.”
He plans to try to strike a hopeful tone and call for unity, according to excerpts of his prepared speech provided by a Trump official, who insisted on anonymity to preview the speech, reports AP.
On November 6, congratulating Trump, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus said he looks forward to working together with the new US administration to further strengthen the Dhaka-Washington partnership and foster sustainable development.
Ground is ready to take ties to greater fields: Dr Yunus tells Argentine Ambassador
“I firmly believe that the possibilities are endless as our two friendly nations work towards exploring newer avenues of partnership,” said the Nobel Peace Laureate in his message conveying his heartfelt felicitations to Trump.
Prof Yunus said electing Trump as the US President for a second term reflects that his leadership and vision have resonated with the people of the United States of America.
“I am confident that under your stewardship, the United States will thrive and continue to inspire others around the world. Bangladesh and the United States share a long history of friendship and collaboration across numerous areas of mutual interest,” said the chief adviser.
He said the relationship continued to grow in depth and breadth during Trump’s previous term in the office.
Both US and India want democracy, elections in Bangladesh: Eric Garcetti
“Aligning with our commitment to a peaceful and inclusive society, the government and the peace-loving people of Bangladesh look forward to partnering and collaborating in your efforts in addressing the global challenges in the pursuit of peace, harmony, stability and prosperity for all,” Prof Yunus said.
He conveyed his best wishes for Trump’s success as he embarks on this momentous journey of leading his great nation.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh's ties with major powers like the United States are not government-specific, indicating no major change in relations during Donald Trump's presidency.
"We have nothing to speculate," he earlier said, expressing optimism things will move on smoothly in terms of relations with the United States.
"Our relations with India, China and the US are very important. We will surely maintain balanced relations with these three countries protecting our own interests," Hossain said, adding that Bangladesh is not to be dissatisfied with any country.
3 months ago
Ahead of today’s rallies, US reiterates political violence has no place in a democracy
Ahead of political rallies of the ruling and opposition parties in Dhaka, the United States has reiterated that political violence has no place in a democracy and that the US favors no political party in Bangladesh.
"I will reiterate that political violence has no place in a democracy, and in the United States, we favor no political party," Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State Vedant Patel said in a regular media briefing in Washington on July 27.
Also read: Thousands of BNP leaders, activists gathering at Dhaka’s Nayapaltan to join grand rally
He said they support Bangladesh’s goal of holding free, fair, and peaceful elections.
Also read: Bangladesh makes progress “in reducing constraints on investment”: US
Patel said they have also emphasized the importance of the United States and Bangladesh working together to achieve this goal.
"We certainly continue to believe that this endeavor has no space or room for political violence," he said.
Also read: US supports Bangladesh’s goal of holding a free, fair and peaceful election: State Dept
1 year ago
Covid: US-Bangladesh biz council delivers essential supplies to Dhaka
The US-Bangladesh Business Council, in collaboration with American NGO Project CURE, has donated essential medical supplies to Dhaka to help bolster the country’s fight against Covid-19.
The donation includes 60 oxygen concentrators, variable positive air pressure (VPAP) units and other oxygen supplies, and device accessories, including 45,000 pieces of personal protective gear, including KN95 and N95 masks, for corona patients in medical colleges across the country.
Read: US-Bangladesh Business Council to be launched April 6
In the coming weeks, the Council will mobilise additional medical supplies, including a shipment of 100 emergency relief beds, the US Embassy in Dhaka said in a release.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jo Anne Wagner and US-Bangladesh Business Council representatives joined officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Directorate General of Health Services in welcoming the special delivery of essential medical supplies.
The initiative was taken by US-Bangladesh Business Council members Chevron, Excelerate Energy, Metlife, and HSBC Bangladesh with support and coordination from the US Embassy in Dhaka, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services.
Chargé d’Affaires Wagner said they must and will continue to use their collective resources to fight this pandemic together to protect health and save precious lives.
Wagner said she is proud to see American business leaders come together as invaluable partners with this generous gift meant to help meet the critical health needs of the Bangladeshi people.
“The Council members have come together to stand in support with our friends and partners in Bangladesh to tackle the surge in the pandemic with urgently needed supplies of medical equipment that we hope can provide life-saving care,” said Nisha Biswal, President of the US-Bangladesh Business Council.
Read: US to strengthen relations with Bangladesh
3 years ago