US lauds Bangladesh’s global, regional role

The US point person for South Asia and other senior officials have lauded Bangladesh’s role in promoting international peace and security as well as regional integration.

They also appreciated Bangladesh’s own socio-economic development during the just-concluded partnership dialogue in Washington.

Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque led Bangladesh side while US Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman led her side.

At the end of the dialogue, a joint statement was issued where both sides agreed to move forward with newer engagements.

On the sidelines, the foreign ministry said secretary Haque met senior US officials including the Assistant Secretary of State Nisha Desai Biswal, and Deputy United States Trade Representative Ambassador Robert Holleyman.

Haque briefed Biswal about the priorities of the present government in areas such as governance, law and order, counter-terrorism, economic stability, and labour rights.

They also discussed on regional integration and various regional and sub-regional arrangements including SAARC, BCIM and BIMSTEC.

Biswal hoped that Bangladesh would continue its “leading role” in promoting regional integration being situated at the “cross-road” of the South and South East Asia.

Under Secretary Sherman in her speech during the dialogue paid tribute to 119 Bangladeshi peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives while on duty.

She also acknowledged Bangladesh’s “unparalleled leadership role” in promoting international peace and security worldwide.

She termed Bangladesh ‘a role model’ for its significant achievements in the socio-economic field, the foreign ministry has said.

The Under Secretary particularly mentioned about Bangladesh’s attainment in MDGs.

She also congratulated Bangladesh for its success in the recent elections at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Inter-Parliamentary Union, UN Human Rights Commission, and International Telecommunications Union.

She also congratulated Bangladesh for the successful bidding for hosting 9th Global Forum on Migration and Development in Dhaka in 2016.

Assistant USTR Michael Delaney and representatives from the Department of Labour and the Department of State joined during the foreign secretary’s meeting with the Deputy USTR Ambassador Holleyman.

He briefed them on the progress concerning workers’ rights and workplace safety in the RMG sector in Bangladesh.

The US side acknowledged and appreciated the progress made by the government so far in ensuring workers' rights and workplace safety, and hoped that the progress would continue with “the same level of intensity”.