Washington DC, Broadcasting News Corporation: Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held bilateral meeting yesterday in Washington DC, on the very day of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between two countries. During the meeting two side discussed the whole gamut of US-Bangladesh bilateral relations.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister thanked the United States for providing more than 61 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine so far, the highest received by any country from the US. Stating that Bangladesh has made huge socio-economic progress in last 50 years, Foreign Minister Momen termed the US as an all-time friend of Bangladesh in its journey towards development as the largest trading partner as well as the largest investor in accumulated term. He appreciated that the US has finally determined that genocide took place in Myanmar in 2017, and opined that the US should suspend GSP and reimpose sanctions on Myanmar in order to put pressure so that Myanmar resolves the crisis. He opined that the US need to diversify investment portfolio, and can consider investing in the infrastructure sector in Bangladesh. He also urged for assistance from the US in developing blue economy, opining that this may enable two countries to work together in building a secure Indo-Pacific region.
US Secretary of State Blinken underscored also on looking forward for next 50 years, with tremendous potentials. He appreciated Bangladesh’s leadership in climate actions, generosity towards the Rohingyas, and role in the UN Peacekeeping Mission. He also expressed satisfaction about the cooperation two countries are having in combatting the pandemic. He expressed his satisfaction about the Partnership Dialogue held last month and the upcoming Security Dialogue, and opined that a new momentum has been created. He also thanked Bangladesh for voting in favour of the humanitarian resolution on Ukraine in the UN General Assembly.
Regarding the sanctions on RAB, US Secretary recognized the agency’s important counterterrorism role, but stated that lifting sanctions, resuming training might take time. Secretary Blinken appreciated that Bangladesh is reexamining the Digital Security Act (DSA). Appreciating ongoing works of the tripartite group on labour rights, he underscored that labour rights issue is an important determinant of Biden Administration’s foreign policy. Noting that Bangladesh is not getting development finance from the DFC due to the labour rights issues, he stressed upon resolving all impediments. He positively responded to the proposal of deepening maritime cooperation as two countries have shared goal of free and secure Indo-Pacific.
On labour rights issues, Foreign Minister Momen informed that Bangladesh has formulated a roadmap with the ILO and the EU, and sought for US participation in the process. Regarding the human rights related issues, he stressed upon the fact that there are some noticeable developments in last four months. He emphasized that Bangladeshi law enforcers need training from the US on rules of engagements, and informed that there is an inbuilt system of inquiry in the RAB, which tracks all allegations; and number of personnel have been penalized. Depicting the context of the creation of RAB in 2004, he underscored that the RAB has played pivotal role in Bangladesh’s counter-terrorism efforts; which may be undermined by the sanctions. He also sought for US Secretary of State’s attention and assistance for realizing the deportation of Rashed Chowdhury, the convicted killer of the Father of the Nation. He also requested Secretary Blinken’s assistance in expediting the matter of opening Dhaka-New York direct flight. Bangladesh Foreign Minister underscored US Secretary of State on Bhasan Char and requested US assistance for the Rohingyas there. Foreign Minister Momen also invited Secretary Blinken to visit Bangladesh in near future.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Momen met USAID Administrator Samantha Power. During the meeting, both sides discussed about issues of mutual concern. Two sides discussed in details the political and humanitarian aspects of the Rohingya crisis, and Administrator Power assured of continued US assistance. They also discussed on the climate change cooperation and on possible adverse effect of Ukraine crisis.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister also met US Senator Chris Van Hollen, President of National Democratic Institute (NDI) Ambassador Derek Mitchell, and Director of New Lines Institute Mr. Azeem Ibrahim. He also attended, as the Chief Guest, in the Reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations.