It's a foundation for a 'meaningful engagement' with US: Foreign secretary

The United States discussed Bangladesh's financial sector's reforms broadly, noting that the discussion will be seen as the foundation to take forward the discussion for a meaningful engagement, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin said today (15 September).

"We think it is a foundation for a meaningful engagement with the US. We will take forward this discussion at various levels in the future. It is a good foundation to move ahead," he told reporters at state guesthouse Padma giving an idea about what they discussed in a series of meetings.

The foreign secretary said they have broadly discussed the financial sector's reforms and primarily discussed the issue of money laundering as Bangladesh can use the US expertise in this regard.

"Discussion has just started. It might take a bit of time to get a final shape," he said, adding that the US side reiterated its willingness to work closely with the interim government.

He further said, "The conversation will continue. Bangladesh informed the US delegation about steps taken on the labour front which the US sees as significant progress."

The visiting US delegation met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed. Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin hosted a working lunch at state guesthouse Padma.

Asked whether any issue related to India was discussed, the foreign secretary said there are separate platforms for discussing issues between Bangladesh and India. "So, such an issue was not discussed here."

On the possibility of meeting US President Joe Biden at the UNGA by Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, he said the US President does not hold any bilateral meetings when he goes to UNGA.

But there is likely to be a reception and if their schedules are matched, they may get a chance to meet each other, he added.

Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the US Department of the Treasury Brent Neiman, US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, among others, joined the meeting.

"Great to meet the Foreign Affairs Adviser ... .we are committed to helping expand economic opportunities, build institutional capacity, uphold human rights, and mitigate climate risks with our partner, Bangladesh," said the US side after the meeting with Touhid Hossain.

The US delegation also met Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed and said they support Bangladesh's path towards renewed dynamism and growth.

"Our engagement with top economic policymakers centred on the authorities' efforts to propel economic growth, job creation, and sustainability, including through engaging with international financial institutions," said the US Embassy in Dhaka after the meeting with the Finance Adviser.

This is the first US delegation in Bangladesh following the formation of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on 8 August.

The arrival of the first team of the United States (during this tenure) is a great reflection of the importance they attach to the relationship with Bangladesh," said Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin.

The US and Bangladeshi officials discussed how the United States can support Bangladesh's economic growth, financial stability, and development needs.

The two countries also discussed labour reforms, trade facilitation, Rohingya crisis, and GSP facility, the foreign secretary added.