The United States has pledged its continued and unwavering support for the reform agenda of Bangladesh’s interim government and has stressed the urgency of holding the next general election without delay, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Thursday.
Speaking at a press briefing at his ministry office in Dhaka, Touhid confirmed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues, including the upcoming election.
“I was sitting in front of the chief adviser when the phone conversation took place in a fantastic atmosphere,” said Touhid. “Both sides expressed optimism about holding the upcoming general election as early as possible.”
Touhid added that the US reiterated its full support for the interim government’s ongoing reform efforts. “They spoke about their support for the reform initiatives. At one stage, both sides underscored the urgency of holding the general election as early as possible,” he said.
Responding to a question on US trade policy, Touhid noted that Bangladesh’s commerce and national security advisers are currently attending a meeting in Washington to resolve tariff-related issues.
“We expect both sides will reach an honourable mutual understanding for the greater interest of our trade and commerce,” he said.
Rubio’s phone call with Yunus, which lasted about 15 minutes starting at 7:30 pm on Monday, also touched on Bangladesh’s ongoing transition to democracy, Rohingya aid, and bilateral trade. The US is Bangladesh’s largest export destination and one of the top remittance sources.
Yunus, during the call, highlighted his administration’s commitment to holding a credible election and praised a recent meeting between his national security adviser and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Washington.
Both sides expressed hope that the ongoing tariff talks would conclude soon, paving the way for stronger economic and diplomatic ties.
LND/SAE
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