Misunderstandings with US reduced during Uzra Zeya’s visit: Salman F Rahman
“They did not discuss the electoral system, interim government, or the caretaker government," he said after a meeting with the US under secretary
Bangladesh's relationship with the United States improved during the country's Under Secretary Uzra Zeya's visit, said Salman F Rahman, prime minister's advisor on private industry and investment.
"There were some misunderstandings between Bangladesh and the United States. The distance has reduced," he said while addressing journalists after a meeting with the US delegation led by Uzra Zeya at his Gulshan residence on Thursday night.
Salman F Rahman said the meeting discussed boosting bilateral trade with the US, the upcoming general election, and labour rights situation in Bangladesh.
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"They did not discuss the electoral system, interim government, or the caretaker government. They did not give any new conditions. They talked about making elections free and fair. We also talked about free fair and peaceful elections."
He continued that in the past, the international community talked about participatory elections. But this time that issue was not mentioned strongly.
"They talked about peaceful elections."
Besides, the US delegation appreciated the peaceful rallies of the two parties on Wednesday and the role of the police during the events.
"Those gatherings have set a model. They asked that it be followed in the future,"
Meanwhile, at the meeting, Bangladesh called on the US to provide duty-free facilities to Bangladeshi readymade garment products made using cotton imported from the Western country.
The meeting also discussed increasing US investment in Bangladesh.
Also speaking at the press conference, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahrial Alam said many people had hyped up the possibility of Uzra Zeya's visit increasing pressure on the government.
"But it is part of their regular visit, not a special visit. They have not come here with a special agenda for the Bangladesh elections. They talked about universal human rights. …seeking clarification on some specific issues."
He said, "Many are waiting for something abnormal to happen. But I reiterate again, the election will be held under the rule of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to the constitution and the rules and decisions of the Election Commission."
