US ambassador, Jamaat chief discuss ‘budget, trade issues’

The party says the meeting took place in “a warm, cordial and friendly atmosphere”

US Ambassador Brent Christensen has met with Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman to review bilateral trade and fiscal policies.

The sit-down took place at the office of the Leader of the Opposition inside the parliament building around 10:30am on Tuesday.

Jamaat’s central publicity department described the interaction as having taken place in “an exceptionally warm, cordial, and friendly atmosphere”.

The party said the discussions covered the post-election political and economic situation in the country, the forthcoming national budget, bilateral trade and investment prospects, and different aspects of Bangladesh–US relations.

It added that broader issues including the development of democratic institutions in Bangladesh, governance, economic cooperation, and regional and international developments were also discussed.

“Both sides expressed hope of strengthening relations further based on mutual respect, cooperation and understanding,” Jamaat said.

Shafiqur was accompanied by MP Mir Ahmad bin Qasem Arman and Ali Ahmad Mabrur, a member of his foreign affairs advisory team.

The US envoy was joined by the embassy's Political and Economic Counsellor Eric Gillan and Political Officer Harmanoshi Barnard.