US, Bangladesh to move forward with ‘greater collaboration’

The United States and Bangladesh have discussed for the first time within the ‘partnership dialogue’ the rapidly growing threats in cyberspace as they look for ‘greater collaboration’ to move forward.

The third-round of the partnership dialogue ended in Washington on Wednesday amid media speculations in Dhaka.

The speculations were mostly due to the Jan 5 elections that the US did not find credible as opposition BNP boycotted the poll.

But in a joint statement, both sides talked about greater collaborations identifying new areas of cooperation.

The US recognised Bangladesh’s role as a ‘regional leader’ and its seat at the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and offered its full support for increased regional economic integration and connectivity initiatives.

Those include development of the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor, facilitation of cross-border trade, energy cooperation, and increased participation of women in the economy.

Both sides recognised the importance of international cooperation to promote an open and secure cyberspace, and discussed opportunities for greater collaboration on cyber security and to combat cybercrime.

They also discussed “the importance of safeguarding the environment”.

The US outlined a broad programme to develop a national forest inventory in Bangladesh that will help reduce deforestation, curb illegal logging, and contribute to the monitoring of forest change.

They recognised the threat of terrorism in the world, and acknowledged the effectiveness of counterterrorism and anti-money laundering acts in Bangladesh.

And the US expressed “deep commitment to continue to cooperate to counter terrorist financing and violent extremism”.

Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque led the nine-member Bangladesh delegation while US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman led her side.

The Dialogue contained three working group meetings on Oct 28 while the second day was dedicated for plenary session.

US ambassador in Dhaka Dan Mozena earlier on Wednesday said the first day of the dialogue was “extremely positive and very constructive”.

The working group meetings focused on development and governance, trade and investment, and security cooperation.

Strong cooperation since second dialogue

Both sides highlighted the “robust and growing bilateral ties” and affirmed that “the relationship is based on shared values and common goals of the two countries and their peoples”.

They recognised that the partnership dialogue, established in 2012, presents an opportunity for the ‘two moderate and pluralistic nations’ to engage in fruitful discussions towards a broader and deeper relationship.

They also noted strong cooperation since the second partnership dialogue held in Dhaka last year.

Both sides signed multiple agreements following that dialogue that include Counterterrorism Cooperation Initiative, drug trafficking, and TICFA.

The security cooperation between the two countries also grew over the past 17 months with the US transferring its former Coast Guard cutter Jarvis to Bangladesh last year.

A second coast guard cutter, the USCGC Rush, is to join its sister ship in spring 2015.

“These transfers are a tangible demonstration of the United States’ commitment to strengthen Bangladesh’s capability to ensure the maritime security of the Bay of Bengal,” the joint statement says.

At the same time, both sides agreed to continue working together to address outstanding needs to safeguard labour rights and workers’ health and safety.

USAID plans to announce $5 million in new funding to help protect workers, according to the joint statement.

It says the US remains committed to supporting Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to combat the trafficking of its citizens, especially in overseas labour markets.

It acknowledged the presence of ‘a vibrant civil society’ in Bangladesh, and both nations discussed ways to protect the ‘important work of civil society’ along with broader citizens' rights and fundamental freedoms.

Foreign minister to visit US

The dialogue discussed a whole range of issues and both sides stressed on enhancing the bilateral relations and reiterated their commitments to work together on issues of both national and global interests.

Both sides agreed to schedule a visit of Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali to the US at the earliest opportunity.

The US Embassy in Dhaka and the State Department will host a South Asia regional workshop with the Bangladesh government in December to focus on best practices to counter violent extremism and terrorist financing.

This will be held as part of the globally recognized Financial Action Task Force (FATF) framework.

Women empowerment

According to the joint statement, both sides reaffirmed a mutual commitment to the full and equal economic and political participation of women and girls for the prosperity and continued growth.

The dialogue also recognised Bangladesh’s progress in reducing maternal mortality, access to girl’s primary education and reducing poverty.

Both sides, however, agreed to focus on challenges facing adolescent girls, including “girls’ access to secondary education and the prevention of, and response to, early and forced marriage”.

They agreed to continue to work together “to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, and strengthen women’s access to healthcare services”.

“We reaffirmed our commitment to work together through the Equal Futures Partnership,” says the joint statement.

Youths engagement

Both sides recognised the importance of engaging youths in dialogue and promoting shared values, aspirations and overlapping interests with a focus on the future of the bilateral relationship.

The two countries will seek “to inspire youth to address today’s challenges and to advocate for positive change”.

Both countries also intend to expand people-to-people ties by exploring ways to increase professional, academic, and educational exchanges and expand linkages between educational institutions.

Both sided also vowed to work together to fight climate change, recognising Bangladesh’s climate vulnerability.

They also recognised the ongoing Ebola threat and “decided to work together to strengthen the capacity for response within Bangladesh”.

Together, both sides recognised “the importance of this relationship and look forward to further broadening, deepening, and strengthening the US-Bangladesh partnership”.

They agreed to hold the fourth ‘partnership dialogue’ in Dhaka next year.