[🇧🇩] The U.S.A.---A Strategic Partner of Bangladesh

[Saif]

Washington to work closely with Dhaka

Washington will closely work with the interim government, especially regarding health, education, labour, governance, and the Rohingya issues, said US Embassy Charge D’Affaires in Dhaka Helen LaFave.

www.thedailystar.net

Washington to work closely with Dhaka
US envoy tells Yunus

Washington will closely work with the interim government, especially regarding health, education, labour, governance, and the Rohingya issues, said US Embassy Charge D'Affaires in Dhaka Helen LaFave.

She made the remarks while paying a courtesy call to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

"The US government is happy to congratulate the chief adviser and is looking forward to working closely together," according to a statement of the US charge d'affaires.

She said Washington will support the interim government of Bangladesh and strengthen ties with Dhaka on a range of issues.

The US embassy in Dhaka will resume its consular service this week to expedite visa processing, she said, adding that thousands of Bangladeshi students now study in US universities.

The US has started resettling Rohingya to the US, and Helen LaFave hoped the process would be expedited.

The US is the largest contributor to the Rohingya humanitarian responses, and the amount of monthly food aid for the Rohingya has increased this year after more US funding, she said.

Yunus thanked the US for supporting Bangladesh, including its continued funding for more than one million Rohingya in Bangladesh.

Prof Yunus called for a "combined" effort and "a common platform" among the donors for flood response in Bangladesh.

Helen LaFave raised some concerns over labour and minority issues in Bangladesh, especially in the aftermath of the ouster of the Awami League regime.

Prof Yunus said every citizen in the country is "protected by the constitution" and the interim government is committed to upholding the human rights of all citizens.

Human rights issues, cyber security laws, and the Rapid Action Battalion also came up during the talks.

LaFave said Washington was trying to help Bangladesh set up a prosecutorial service to ensure fair trials in the country.

Meanwhile, UN Refugee Agency Chief Filippo Grandi congratulated Prof Yunus over a call on his assumption as head of the government.

He said Dr Yunus has taken up "an incredible task" to rebuild Bangladesh.

They discussed the Rohingya issue, including about thousands of people who have been displaced by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

Yunus asked for UNHCR's support for the dignified and voluntary return of more than one million Rohingya people to Myanmar.

He also sought assistance from the UN refugee agency to build a better future for young Rohingya children who are growing up in the Bangladesh camps.

Grandi requested the chief adviser to attend a meeting on the Rohingya crisis on the sidelines of the upcoming UNGA in New York.

He also informed that he plans to visit Bangladesh in October this year.​

 

[Saif]

Donald Lu to visit India, Bangladesh 10-16 September

The US and Bangladeshi officials will discuss how the United States can support Bangladesh’s economic growth, financial stability and development needs

en.prothomalo.com

Donald Lu to visit India, Bangladesh 10-16 September
Diplomatic Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 10 Sep 2024, 22: 40

Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald LuReuters file photo

A delegation of the US is set to visit Bangladesh to discuss what kind of support the country could provide on economic growth, financial stability and development needs to the interim government.

The US State Department disclosed this in a media note Tuesday.

The State Department said Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu will travel to India and Bangladesh from 10 to 16 September.

“Throughout his trip, Assistant Secretary Lu will reaffirm the United States’ commitment to supporting our partners’ economic growth and promoting stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” the media note added.

Donald Lu will travel to New Delhi, where he will highlight US-India cooperation to promote development, security, and women’s economic security at the India Ideas Summit, hosted by the US-India Business Council.

He will also co-chair the 8th US-India 2+2 intersessional dialogue, alongside US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah P. Royal and counterparts from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Ministry of Defense.

The Dialogue will identify opportunities to enhance the US-India bilateral partnership, including defence cooperation, and expand US-India collaboration in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

In Dhaka, Donald Lu will join an interagency delegation for meetings with the interim government of Bangladesh.

The delegation will include representatives from the US Department of the Treasury, USAID, and Office of the US Trade Representative.

The US and Bangladeshi officials will discuss how the United States can support Bangladesh’s economic growth, financial stability and development needs.​

 

[Saif]

US delegation's upcoming visit

Since the interim government assumed office, the first foreign delegation set to visit Bangladesh -- a high-profile one at that -- will be a US inter-agency team on September 14-15. According to media reports that cited top sources in Washington, the US delegation wants to initiate economic discuss

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

US delegation's upcoming visit
Published :
Sep 12, 2024 22:14
Updated :
Sep 12, 2024 22:14

Since the interim government assumed office, the first foreign delegation set to visit Bangladesh -- a high-profile one at that -- will be a US inter-agency team on September 14-15. According to media reports that cited top sources in Washington, the US delegation wants to initiate economic discussions with Bangladesh, intended to support one of the world's largest garment-exporting nations. This, again, is to strengthen its economy during a particularly challenging period.

The delegation will be led by the US Treasury Department and will include officials from various key agencies, such as the State Department, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Office of the US Trade Representative. Brent Neiman, US Assistant Treasury Secretary for International Finance, has expressed optimism about Bangladesh's efforts to implement essential economic reforms, emphasising that the US hopes Bangladesh will address its economic vulnerabilities and lay a solid foundation for sustained growth and enhanced prosperity. He also highlighted Washington's intention to underscore its support for Bangladesh's ongoing collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other global financial institutions for enhanced economic growth by facilitating financial-sector reforms and improving fiscal sustainability. The discussions with the US team are expected to cover fiscal and monetary policy, as well as the health of the financial system.

Besides the issues that have surfaced lately in the country following the fall of the former government, about which the interim government is particularly concerned, there exist longstanding trade and commerce-related issues with the US that need to be resolved and eased. The scrapping of GSP by the US on some Bangladeshi products years ago is one to start with. Although the products are small in number, lifting of the embargo will surely demonstrate goodwill for bilateral trade. The US being the single largest export destination of Bangladesh's readymade garments, keeping up the export momentum is crucial not only for export but equally importantly for the nearly four million people employed in the sector. To make the process smooth, there is the need for easing procurement protocols that occasionally disrupt the export chain. Labour rights issues were a subject of concern for exports in the past. With things better placed now, including workplace environment, the Bangladesh side may seek support of the US while assuring the delegation of actions required for addressing the remaining irritants. Restoring the dismal financial and banking sector, rendered so by defaulted loans and money laundering, may figure as an important issue for discussion. Bangladesh side may seek US help in bringing back the laundered money by creating a mechanism involving international agencies. In the wake of the depleting foreign exchange reserves, Bangladesh may also seek US support in its engagements with the IMF and other international financial organisations. Currently, the interim government is in the process of negotiating a credit deal with the IMF.

The upcoming visit of the US delegation is expected to create a regular forum for discussion on economic matters from time to time with the prospect of opening up avenues for cooperation to the mutual benefit of both countries.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Partner is not a correct word. In which area will US will have partnership with BD? US want some strategic location in bay of Bengal to keep an eye on China. BD may provide some land facing bay of Bengal to get some aid in exchange. This arrangement can last till US requires that land. Once that requirement cease to exit, any sort of relationship will go in cold box.

 

[Bilal9]

Partner is not a correct word. In which area will US will have partnership with BD? US want some strategic location in bay of Bengal to keep an eye on China. BD may provide some land facing bay of Bengal to get some aid in exchange. This arrangement can last till US requires that land. Once that requirement cease to exit, any sort of relationship will go in cold box.

The same comments apply to India as well.

Many in Indian media are saying that the ouster of Hasina was a US plot.

Modi thinking that he was so important that he can meddle in Bangladesh, has been proven quite wrong now.

Next on US agenda is independence of Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur if not all seven sisters. Without any approval of India, I might add.

Americans throw India a few favors in terms of Backoffice business and Indian politicians start thinking they matter in geopolitics. A fool's errand.

 

[Saif]

Financial Aid Key Agenda: US delegation led by LU arrives on Saturday

Bangladesh will discuss issues related to financial and development assistance, with the high level US delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu. The delegation, which is scheduled to arrive on Saturday, will include representatives

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Financial Aid Key Agenda: US delegation led by LU arrives on Saturday
UNB
Published :
Sep 13, 2024 19:50
Updated :
Sep 13, 2024 20:03

US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu

Bangladesh will discuss issues related to financial and development assistance, with the high level US delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu.

The delegation, which is scheduled to arrive on Saturday, will include representatives from the US Department of the Treasury, USAID, and Office of the US Trade Representative.

This will be the 5th Dhaka visit of Donald Lu, who is well-known as a key player in the geopolitical stage of South Asia.

He made his last visit to Dhaka in May amid tension between the US and the recently toppled Bangladesh government led by Sheikh Hasina.

US and Bangladeshi officials will discuss how the United States can support Bangladesh’s economic growth, financial stability and development needs, a spokesperson of the State Department said.

Commenting on the visit foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain said that Bangladesh will seek US assistance during the discussion but the forms of the assistance will be determined by the finance ministry.

The delegation will meet foreign adviser, finance adviser and will also call on the chief adviser, officials said.

The composition of the delegation reflects the importance of the visit, said foreign secretary Jasim Uddin.

The foreign secretary will led the Bangladesh side in the bilateral meeting between the two countries.

The US Treasury delegation will meet separately with concerned departments of Bangladesh.

Mr Lu, who will arrive in Dhaka from Delhi, will leave for home on Monday but the treasury delegation will stay sometimes more, officials said.​

 

[Saif]

US pvt sector can boost Bangladesh’s growth: embassy

American private sector can help unlock Bangladesh’s growth potential through trade and investment with the right economic reforms in place, said the US embassy in Dhaka on Saturday...

www.newagebd.net

US pvt sector can boost Bangladesh’s growth: embassy
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 14 September, 2024, 17:20

Assistant secretary for international finance at the US Department of the Treasury Brent Neiman, US Treasury Department director Jerrod Mason, US Embassy Dhaka chargé d’affaires (ad interim) Helen LaFave, American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh president Syed Ershad Ahmed and vice-president Eric M Walker, among others, are present at a meeting at a hotel in the capital Dhaka on Saturday. | Focus Bangla photo

American private sector can help unlock Bangladesh’s growth potential through trade and investment with the right economic reforms in place, said the US embassy in Dhaka on Saturday.

From energy security to data centres to transportation, US businesses play a positive role in many facets of Bangladesh’s economy, said the embassy after a trade and investment related discussion.

Assistant secretary for international finance at the US Department of the Treasury Brent Neiman, US Treasury Department director Jerrod Mason, chargé d’affaires (ad interim), US Embassy Dhaka Helen LaFave, political/economic counsellor, US Embassy Dhaka Eric Geelan and mission director, US Agency for International Development Reed Aeschliman, joined the meeting representing the US side.

American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh president Syed Ershad Ahmed, vice-president Eric M Walker, MetLife in Bangladesh chief executive officer Ala Uddin Ahmad, country manager of Mastercard Syed Mohammad Kamal and country manager of GE Nowshad Ali were also present, a meeting source told UNB.

Earlier on Saturday morning, US assistant secretary Brent Neiman arrived in Dhaka to lead a US delegation to discuss issues pertaining to bilateral relations.

He was received at the airport by Khandker Masudul Alam, DG (North America) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka.

Bangladesh looks forward to have a ‘multi-dimensional’ discussion as it welcomed the first US delegation after the formation of the interim government led by chief adviser Muhammad Yunus on August 8.

‘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. This implies that this discussion will be multi-dimensional; it will not be limited to just one topic,’ said foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin on Thursday.

The US delegation will meet chief adviser Muhammad Yunus on Sunday morning, a senior official told UNB. They will also meet foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain and finance adviser Salehuddin Ahmed apart from their other engagement.

Foreign secretary Jashim will host a working lunch where representatives from the relevant ministries will attend.

‘US and Bangladeshi officials will discuss how the United States can support Bangladesh’s economic growth, financial stability, and development needs,’ a spokesperson at the US Department of State said.

‘I don’t want to make any kind of comments before the discussion starts, which would undermine the normality of the discussion,’ said the foreign secretary when asked about the specific agenda.

US assistant secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian affairs Donald Lu, who is now visiting New Delhi, will travel to Bangladesh soon as part of the delegation.

Responding to a question, foreign secretary Jashim said that the government wanted to move to a mutually beneficial relationship with everyone.

The people of Bangladesh have historically had an interest in international affairs, he added.

Throughout his trip, assistant secretary Lu will reaffirm the United States’ commitment to supporting ‘our partners’ economic growth and promoting stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.’

In Dhaka, Lu will join an interagency delegation for meetings with the Bangladeshi interim government.

The senior-level US delegation will discuss ways with the interim government to take forward the relations between the two countries in a changed political scenario.

Any visit by the US delegation is always important, foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The foreign affairs adviser said that they would discuss issues which were achievable and stressed that US visa policy would not affect the relations between the two countries.​

 

[Saif]

BD, US to sign agreement during visit of US treasury delegation

Bangladesh and the US will sign a Development Objective Agreement during the visit of the US high level delegation. foreign ministry sources said. The US delegation which will hold talks with various government departments on financial and development support issues arrived in the morning

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BD, US to sign agreement during visit of US treasury delegation
Undersecretary Neiman, Asst Secretary Lu in Dhaka

FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Sep 14, 2024 20:26
Updated :
Sep 14, 2024 20:26

Bangladesh and the US will sign a Development Objective Agreement during the visit of the US high level delegation. foreign ministry sources said.

The US delegation which will hold talks with various government departments on financial and development support issues arrived in the morning on Saturday.

Brent Neiman, deputy under secretary for International Finance at the Department of the Treasury is leading this team, which also includes representatives from the US Department of the Treasury, USAID, and the Office of the US Trade Representative.

US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, arrived in Dhaka yesterday afternoon, following his three-day visit to India. He will be with the delegation till Sunday.

They had a meeting with a Bangladesh business delegation in the afternoon.

“From energy security to data centers to transportation, US businesses play a positive role in many facets of Bangladesh’s economy! With the right economic reforms in place, the American private sector can help unlock Bangladesh’s growth potential through trade and investment” a spokesperson of the US Embassy said after the meeting.

A US Department of State spokesperson stated that discussions will focus on how the United States can support Bangladesh’s economic growth, financial stability, and development needs.

This is the first visit by any US delegation to Dhaka since the interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, took charge after the fall of the Awami League government.

Bangladesh will discuss issues related to financial and development assistance, with the high level US delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu.

Commenting on the visit foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain said that Bangladesh will seek US assistance during the discussion but the forms of the assistance will be determined by the finance ministry.

The foreign secretary will led the Bangladesh side in the bilateral meeting between the two countries.

The US Treasury delegation will meet separately with concerned departments of Bangladesh.​

 

[Bilal9]

The United States is providing $200 million in aid to the priority sectors of the interim government for the development of Bangladesh. Anjali Kaur, Deputy Assistant Administrator of the United States International Aid Agency-USAID, announced this payment under the development cooperation agreement at Rashtriya (National) Guest House Padma on September 15.

 

[Saif]

US support for trade and investment

As the first ever visit by any foreign diplomats to Bangladesh following the political changeover at its helm, a high-powered multi-agency U.S. delegation met the leaders of the interim government headed by Chief Adviser Dr Yunus on September 15 last. Considering the composition of the visiting del

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

US support for trade and investment
Published :
Sep 17, 2024 22:12
Updated :
Sep 17, 2024 22:12

Flags of Bangladesh and the United States are seen cross-pinned in this photo symbolising friendship between the two nations

As the first ever visit by any foreign diplomats to Bangladesh following the political changeover at its helm, a high-powered multi-agency U.S. delegation met the leaders of the interim government headed by Chief Adviser Dr Yunus on September 15 last. Considering the composition of the visiting delegation which included the Deputy Under Secretary for International Finance and Development at the US Treasury Department, Brent Neiman, and the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, it is plain that the US wants to see the interim government of Bangladesh succeed and prosper. Small wonder that the USAID (US agency for foreign aid) promptly responded to the CA's request to the US government for financial assistance by extending a grant of over US$200 million to carry through its (interim government's) development agenda that include development, youth empowerment, strengthening democracy and governance. The agreement clearly highlights the interim government's development focus which prioritises inclusive growth and prosperity for all. This undoubtedly is a good augury for the weeks-old interim government of Bangladesh.

As the interim government has inherited all the social and economic ills left by the fallen government, which, while discussing with the US delegates, the CA termed an 'ocean of corruption', the enormous challenges facing this administration cannot be overstated. Needless to say, the interim government sought US support for carrying out the reforms of the judiciary, the police, the civil administration, anti-corruption commission, and the effort to retrieve the country's stolen assets from abroad. However, these are all internal issues that need urgent addressing to pave the way for establishing good governance. Bangladesh can amply benefit from the US's centuries old rich experience in this regard. For instance, in getting back the money siphoned off from the country to the US, Canada and different European destinations, the US support can play a critical role.

The deliverability of these efforts at various reforms and recovering stolen assets from abroad will certainly see a qualitative improvement with external technical support. But the most important issue that remains to be addressed is repatriation of more than a million Rohingya refugees to their ancestral homeland in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. Notably, these victims of genocide in neighbouring Myanmar escaped with their lives to Bangladesh. It may be recalled that the first phase of the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya population began in October 2016 and continued till January 2017, while the second phase started in August 2017 and has been continuing sporadically since. As a consequence, no repatriation effort succeeded so far. Worse yet, fresh waves of Rohingya are entering Bangladesh from time to time. This is too much for Bangladesh's fragile economy to sustain. Bangladesh's development partners including the US should help Bangladesh in resolving the festering Rohingya repatriation issue. Hopefully, Dr Yunus with his global acceptability, especially in the US, may use his goodwill to find a lasting solution to the problem.

Various reform agenda aside, the most important support Bangladesh can have from the US is for trade and investment. In this connection, Bangladesh should try to get zero-tariff access for all its exports to the USA. At the same time, more investment from US entrepreneurs in the country's major sectors particularly the energy and IT can contribute significantly to the country's economic growth.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

The same comments apply to India as well.

Many in Indian media are saying that the ouster of Hasina was a US plot.

Modi thinking that he was so important that he can meddle in Bangladesh, has been proven quite wrong now.

Next on US agenda is independence of Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur if not all seven sisters. Without any approval of India, I might add.

Americans throw India a few favors in terms of Backoffice business and Indian politicians start thinking they matter in geopolitics. A fool's errand.

That is very true. Even Jayshankar said that Partner is not the terminology we use when he was asked the question on India buying oil from Russia and its impact on US India partnership. So I agree with you that we are not partner of US. BD may try that and see the result. Each and every country who has a passion of becoming partner with US has ended up being satellite state of US. An another partner of US, Pakistan did not get atta when it was in food crisis from its partner US. On other hand we rescued Srilanka when they were in crisis by giving them 4 Bn USD. Giving them fertilizer when its time tested friend China supply them with fertilizer with harmful chemicals. We gave 2 million dosages of corona vaccine to BD totally free.

After facing harsh realities of spoiling relation with India, there has been a change of heart in many Pakistanis. What you unwilling to learn in peaceful way, nature will teach the same in harsh way. Wait for that. I fore see BD guys remembering and praising Hasina and the progress under her regime in couple of years.

 

[Saif]

We gave 2 million dosages of corona vaccine to BD totally free.

India didn't even supply BD the corona vaccine timely for which they were paid for. BD paid India in advance to get the corona vaccine at the soonest. But India delayed the supply of the vaccine to put BD at a precarious position. Giving BD 2 million dosages of corona vaccine for free is your figment of imagination. But Maldives provided BD with 2 hundred thousand dosages of corona vaccine for free. Long live BD Maldives friendship.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

India didn't even supply BD the corona vaccine timely for which they were paid for. BD paid India in advance to get the corona vaccine at the soonest. But India delayed the supply of the vaccine to put BD at a precarious position. Giving BD 2 million dosages of corona vaccine for free is your figment of imagination. But Maldives provided BD with 2 hundred thousand dosages of corona vaccine for free. Long live BD Maldives friendship.

We provided 2 million dosage of vaccine free to BD. When epidemic exploded in horrible way, we could not provide our people with vaccine in time inspite of 10 million dosage production per day but ultimately we provided BD with vaccine.

Anyway, why did you not buy same from other country?

 

[Saif]

Anyway, why did you not buy same from other country?

Because Hasina--the Indian ***** was hell bent on buying vaccines from India. She wanted to give business to an Indian company.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Because Hasina--the Indian whore was hell bent on buying vaccines from India. She wanted to give business to an Indian company.

Our vaccine was in high demand and even developed countries like Canada was in queue to buy it. Trump requested to supply supply certain medicines to US. We obliged BD by giving vaccine free and subsequently on priority basis. Even Pakistan had tried to put ban on import of medicine from India but had to change the decision in a week. I dare BD to put a ban on medicine port from India for atleast one month. This is my open challange.

 

[Bilal9]

We provided 2 million dosage of vaccine free to BD. When epidemic exploded in horrible way, we could not provide our people with vaccine in time inspite of 10 million dosage production per day but ultimately we provided BD with vaccine.

Anyway, why did you not buy same from other country?

Please provide proof of claims in all cases. Just saying something does not make it true.

 

[Bilal9]

Our vaccine was in high demand and even developed countries like Canada was in queue to buy it. Trump requested to supply supply certain medicines to US. We obliged BD by giving vaccine free and subsequently on priority basis. Even Pakistan had tried to put ban on import of medicine from India but had to change the decision in a week. I dare BD to put a ban on medicine port from India for atleast one month. This is my open challange.

Please provide proof of claims. This forum will always insist on clarity and truth. Unverified claims will always be scrutinized and deleted if proven.

This forum will not be used as a platform for propaganda from any specific country.

I know you are consuming Godi Media propaganda about Bangladesh' dependency on India for food, drugs, electricity etc., but Bangladesh meets nearly 98 percent of its domestic demand for pharmaceutical products, with a market size of approximately $3 billion.

Bangladesh - Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.

www.trade.gov

Ditto for electricity. We have installed capacity for 25000 megawatts, which is twice our demand.

Adani's deal with Hasina was fraudulent, we did not need Adani's electricity.

You can be assured that we will gradually stop importing food items from India as well. Unless Modi and company starts petitioning, which they always do.

 

[Bilal9]

That is very true. Even Jayshankar said that Partner is not the terminology we use when he was asked the question on India buying oil from Russia and its impact on US India partnership. So I agree with you that we are not partner of US. BD may try that and see the result. Each and every country who has a passion of becoming partner with US has ended up being satellite state of US. An another partner of US, Pakistan did not get atta when it was in food crisis from its partner US. On other hand we rescued Srilanka when they were in crisis by giving them 4 Bn USD. Giving them fertilizer when its time tested friend China supply them with fertilizer with harmful chemicals. We gave 2 million dosages of corona vaccine to BD totally free.

After facing harsh realities of spoiling relation with India, there has been a change of heart in many Pakistanis. What you unwilling to learn in peaceful way, nature will teach the same in harsh way. Wait for that. I fore see BD guys remembering and praising Hasina and the progress under her regime in couple of years.

Hasina will not be back unfortunately.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Hasina will not be back unfortunately.

True that. It will really be unfortunate for BD.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Please provide proof of claims. This forum will always insist on clarity and truth. Unverified claims will always be scrutinized and deleted if proven.

This forum will not be used as a platform for propaganda from any specific country.

I know you are consuming Godi Media propaganda about Bangladesh' dependency on India for food, drugs, electricity etc., but Bangladesh meets nearly 98 percent of its domestic demand for pharmaceutical products, with a market size of approximately $3 billion.

Bangladesh - Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.

www.trade.gov

Ditto for electricity. We have installed capacity for 25000 megawatts, which is twice our demand.

Adani's deal with Hasina was fraudulent, we did not need Adani's electricity.

You can be assured that we will gradually stop importing food items from India as well. Unless Modi and company starts petitioning, which they always do.

Your problem is that you need references for things which very much in main stream media and known to every one. Here are the references.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hindustantimes.com/business/gautam-adani-wants-bangladesh-to-pay-800-million-power-dues-soon-i-request-101725944927085-amp.html

News - Breaking News, Latest News, India News, World News, Bollywood, Sports, Business and Political News | Times of India

Breaking News in India: Read Latest News on Sports, Business, Entertainment, Blogs and Opinions from leading columnists. Times of India brings the Breaking News and Latest News.

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

How should Bangladesh deal with Adani’s $800m outstanding bill?

The flaws in the Adani Godda power plant agreement have been widely documented by both domestic and international outlets.

www.thedailystar.net

https://www.reuters.com/article/world/us-politics/indias-modi-gifts-bangladesh-12-million-doses-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-idUSKBN2BJ0KB/

Whole internet is full of these references. Had you been little informed, I may not have to waste my time to search references. If you are ill informed, I can not waste my time in providing references for each and every point I argue which is very much in main stream.

 

[Saif]

Our vaccine was in high demand and even developed countries like Canada was in queue to buy it. Trump requested to supply supply certain medicines to US. We obliged BD by giving vaccine free and subsequently on priority basis. Even Pakistan had tried to put ban on import of medicine from India but had to change the decision in a week. I dare BD to put a ban on medicine port from India for atleast one month. This is my open challange.

First of all, it was not your vaccine. AstraZeneca, a British company, gave you the formula for the vaccine for free. 2nd of all, you did not give free vaccine to Bangladesh. We bought it with cash. Third of all, we do not import medicine from India. Our own domestic pharmaceutical industry is big enough to meet the local demand. We even export medicines to the US and European markets.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

First of all, it was not your vaccine. AstraZeneca, a British company, gave you the formula for the vaccine for free. 2nd of all, you did not give free vaccine to Bangladesh. We bought it with cash. Third of all, we do not import medicine from India. Our own domestic pharmaceutical industry is big enough to meet the local demand. We even export medicines to the US and European markets.

. Initial 1.2 million dosages were given free. References are already given if you are willing to look at it

 

[Saif]

. Initial 1.2 million dosages were given free. References are already given if you are willing to look at it

I am experiencing difficulty in finding the reference. Could you please help me finding the reference?

 

[Saif]

US delegation visit: A new chapter in Bangladesh-US relations?

The symbolic value of the visit and its timing cannot be overemphasised, this being the first such visit since the change of guards in Dhaka on August 5.

www.thedailystar.net

US delegation visit: A new chapter in Bangladesh-US relations?

US delegates hold a talk with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on September 15, 2024. FILE PHOTO: COLLECTED

As expected, the recent visit to Dhaka by the US delegation led by Brent Neiman, assistant secretary for international finance at the US Department of Treasury, accompanied by Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, and USAID and trade officials, was the subject of much speculation by all and sundry here, both prior to their arrival and since their departure.

The symbolic value of the visit and its timing cannot be overemphasised, this being the first such visit from any country since the change of guards in Dhaka on August 5—that, too, from Washington. Added to this is the fact that Donald Lu, a key figure in Bangladesh-US relations, landed in Dhaka after spending four days in Delhi attending the 2+2 dialogue, a regular event in the framework of Indo-US bilateral strategic relations, in which the confluences outweigh the divergences—or more appropriately, the diversions.

Official comments from both sides following the meetings between the US delegation and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur, and the foreign secretary focused, among other things, on an "expression of strong commitment [from the US] to work with the interim government." The US embassy in Dhaka posted on its Facebook page, "Our delegation met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, affirming our dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth, institution building, and development to benefit the people of Bangladesh. As Bangladesh looks to chart a more equitable and inclusive future, the US stands ready to support those efforts."

On the face of it, the emphasis was on Washington's readiness to provide economic, technical and financial support for reforms in areas such as the banking sector, which has been weakened as a primary vehicle for large-scale corruption and money laundering over the last decade and a half. The signing of an agreement under which the US would provide $200 million to Bangladesh as development support was possibly the first step in this journey.

For his part, Prof Yunus highlighted his administration's goals to quickly "reset, reform and restart" the economy, initiate financial sector reforms, and strengthen institutions. He then spelt out the steps taken so far in this pursuit, including the formation of six separate commissions to address reforms in key areas and state institutions, the most important of which was amending, or refixing, the country's constitution. The US delegation, in response, praised the chief adviser's leadership and expressed Washington's willingness to support his reform agenda.

In remarks to the media, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin noted that the US side also brought up the recent developments in Myanmar and humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya in Bangladesh. He said, "We spoke about eliminating the root causes of the Rohingya crisis." The significance of talking of the "recent developments in Myanmar" and linking that to "eliminating the root causes of the Rohingya crisis" cannot be lost, because implicit in this is a possible assessment of the role of military junta in Myanmar. Were they alluding to a regime change in Myanmar to facilitate the return of the Rohingya? One can only speculate.

In reviewing the public language from the US delegation, three words that should stand out are "support," "equitable," and "inclusive." It appears that Washington is focused on helping Prof Yunus and his team advance a process of political, social, and economic reforms, emphasising that sustainable and durable economic development is best achieved in a truly democratic environment—one that involves all segments of society. To achieve that, setting an arbitrary time frame for the interim government's tenure may not be the best path forward.

This aligns with comments made by US deputy secretary of state for management and resources, Richard Verma, at the Hudson Institute in Washington, where he said, "It is in everyone's interest to support a democratic, peaceful, and lawful transition in Bangladesh," adding that "the timing of fresh elections and the duration of the interim government is for the people of Bangladesh to decide." Verma's remarks should be viewed within the broader context of the US position on the dramatically changed situation in Bangladesh.

It is perhaps necessary to try and discern, if at all possible, what the hard political content of the discussions with the chief adviser was and what, if anything, was discussed in Delhi regarding the current situation in Bangladesh. Understandably, there were no public statements by either side on this. The US delegates' meeting with the chief adviser lasted at least an hour, and it is reasonable to assume that this time was not solely spent discussing the reform process, which is already publicly known.

Further inquiry should focus on the political talking points, as well as the immediate, mid-term and long-term implications for Bangladesh on the broader geopolitical stage, especially given Washington's visible support for the interim government in Dhaka. In the prevailing global political climate, relations between states, large and small, do not remain confined to the bilateral frame only—they spread wider into the region and beyond. Similar visits, therefore, from others including Washington's allies before the year is over cannot be ruled out. It will also be of great interest to watch what transpires at the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly this month in New York, assuming such a meeting takes place.

Observers believe the visit signals a retooling of Bangladesh-US relations, which have been noticeably strained in recent times. The imposition of sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and some of its officials by the US Department of Treasury, along with a visa restriction policy affecting certain officials, did not go down well in Dhaka. At the same time, repeated public references by the former prime minister to the US seeking a military base in St Martin's Island in exchange for Washington's support were cases in point. Washington's open criticism of the non-participatory and severely flawed national elections, particularly in 2018 and 2024, further strained the relationship.

Shamsher M Chowdhury, Bir Bikram is a former foreign secretary of Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

Yunus, USAID administrator discuss diverse areas to deepen cooperation

UN Human Rights chief lauds interim government’s reform initiatives

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Yunus, USAID administrator discuss diverse areas to deepen cooperation
UN Human Rights chief lauds interim government’s reform initiatives

File photo

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has discussed diverse areas to deepen cooperation between Bangladesh and the USA with USAID Administrator Samantha Power.

They specifically discussed cooperation in the areas of transport, energy, justice and youth.

The meeting was held yesterday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

On Tuesday, the United States announced nearly $199 million in additional humanitarian assistance to address the needs of Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh and the region, including over $129 million through USAID and nearly $70 million from the US Department of State.

US Department of State Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya announced the funding at a Rohingya-focused event during the UN General Assembly High-level week.

USAID's assistance includes funding from the bipartisan National Security Supplemental as well as $78 million from the US Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation, which will help to purchase, ship, and distribute approximately 52,200 metric tonnes of food commodities from American farmers to approximately 610,000 refugees experiencing acute food insecurity in Bangladesh.

It will also support the International Rescue Committee, Unicef, and the UN World Food Program to provide food, nutrition, and protection assistance to Rohingya refugees and host communities.

The US government has provided more than $2.5 billion for the regional Rohingya response since August 2017, including more than $2.1 billion in Bangladesh.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk also met Prof Yunus on Wednesday.

They discussed areas of work of mutual interest in Bangladesh towards securing justice, freedom, and human rights.

Turk lauded the interim government's continuing reform initiatives.​

 

[Saif]

India, US both need a stable Bangladesh

However, regardless of the nature of international involvement, the ultimate responsibility for a stable Bangladesh lies with its own people.

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India, US both need a stable Bangladesh

VISUAL: FATIMA JAHAN ENA

Before returning to Bangladesh and assuming the mantle of leading the interim government, Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, in an interview with India's NDTV, stated that if Bangladesh becomes unstable, it will affect West Bengal, Myanmar, and the entire northeast India.

Now, West Bengal is bogged down in protests over a horrific case of rape and murder, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declaring that she is "ready to resign." The state of Manipur is on red alert as recent drone and rocket attacks have triggered a fresh wave of ethnic violence. Meanwhile, "Myanmar is plumbing the depths of the human rights abyss," according to James Rodehaver, United Nations human rights chief of the Myanmar team. If the situation in the Bay of Bengal does not seem like a powder keg ready to explode, one must be truly blind.

However, the recent visit of a US delegation to Bangladesh offers some hope that the world is concerned with the evolving situation in the region. By the time this column is published, a bilateral meeting will have taken place between Chief Adviser Prof Yunus and US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. On September 15, the inter-agency US delegation that met with the chief adviser included Brent Neiman, assistant secretary for the Department of Treasury; Donald Lu, assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs; Änjali Kaur, USAID deputy assistant administrator for Asia; and Brendan Lynch, assistant US trade representative.

During the visit, USAID signed a development agreement worth over $200 million with the interim government to support Bangladesh in advancing development, strengthening governance, expanding trade, and creating greater opportunities for the Bangladeshi people to build a brighter and more prosperous future. From 2021 to 2026, USAID has committed nearly $1 billion in support.

Sources in the finance ministry indicate that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) may provide $900 million in budgetary support to Bangladesh by March 2025. Earlier this month, the interim government also requested $1 billion from the World Bank for the energy and power sector, along with another $1 billion for banking sector reforms. This is part of a broader effort to secure $8 billion from multilateral lenders and development partners to replenish the country's foreign exchange reserves and stabilise the economy.

One of Prof Yunus's key strengths is his appeal in the West, which is likely a significant factor in the potential inflow of foreign currency to support the interim government. These developments are critical at a time when Bangladesh is experiencing significant internal unrest. There are speculations that many forces, both within and outside the country, are actively working to discredit the government in any way possible, whether through inciting violence by exploiting religious sentiments, dividing the population with bad-faith identity politics, or organising misinformation campaigns to obscure the truth and paint the nation in the worst possible light.

The Yunus-Biden bilateral meeting, as well as the recent visit by the US delegation underscore the country's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's development and political stability under the interim government. By signing a development agreement through USAID and subsequently holding a bilateral meeting, the US has made it clear that it recognises the strategic importance of Bangladesh. Washington's backing, however, isn't just economic; it's also a strategic signal to regional powers that the situation in Bangladesh is of global concern. This development aligns with US interests in South Asia, particularly regarding regional stability, which is a cornerstone of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

Regardless of the nature of international involvement, the ultimate responsibility for the stability of a nation lies with its own people. While geostrategic partners like the US and India can offer financial support and diplomatic engagement, it is up to the people of Bangladesh to ensure that their nation remains stable.

India, as Bangladesh's closest neighbour, also has a vital role to play in ensuring that its own security interests align with Bangladesh's stability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government must ensure that extremist voices within India do not agitate the situation across the border. For instance, recent remarks by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the militaristic language and posturing by other political actors do not bode well for diplomatic de-escalation and mutual cooperation. Indian policymakers should exercise caution so that domestic issues are not exploited to create friction between the two countries.

More importantly, India must adopt a balanced approach, combining diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh and ensuring that no internal forces within India undermine efforts for stability. Given the ethnic and religious diversity in India's northeast region and Bangladesh's proximity, any instability in Bangladesh will most definitely spill over, affecting not only West Bengal but also states like Assam and Tripura. It's in India's own security interest to support the interim government in Dhaka, providing assistance where possible to counter both external and internal threats.

Regardless of the nature of international involvement, the ultimate responsibility for the stability of a nation lies with its own people. While geostrategic partners like the US and India can offer financial support and diplomatic engagement, it is up to the people of Bangladesh to ensure that their nation remains stable. Some questions have already been raised about the competence of the interim government and its lack of urgency. This is not a good sign. It will need to navigate each new political challenge promptly and carefully, ensuring that democratic institutions remain functional and that extremist groups are not able to exploit any governance vacuums. It should also pave the way for an election that is free, fair and inclusive, which in itself is a daunting task.

In these unstable times, civil society and the media, in particular, will need to step up their activities drastically, countering the ongoing waves of misinformation campaigns and holding the reality on the ground for all of the world to see. The youth, intellectuals, business communities and political parties have a significant part to play in ensuring that polarisation does not destabilise the country further. This is a critical moment for Bangladesh; the future rests in the hands of the Bangladeshi people. The people who came out on the streets and gave their lives to dethrone an autocrat must now step up again and resist divisive forces. This is the only way to remake Bangladesh into a more prosperous and peaceful nation.

Zillur Rahman is executive director at the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) and a television talk show host.​

 

[Saif]

Dhaka-Washington relations to be given focus during foreign secy’s visit

The foreign secretary’s upcoming visit to the US will focus on further advancing Dhaka-Washington relations

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Dhaka-Washington relations to be given focus during foreign secy’s visit
Raheed Ejaz
Dhaka
Published: 04 Oct 2024, 14: 53

Flags of USA and Bangladesh File photo

The foreign secretary’s upcoming visit to the US will focus on further advancing Dhaka-Washington relations. There will also be discussions on future relations following the top level meeting between the two countries. Diplomatic sources in Dhaka and Washington disclosed this.

US President Joe Biden met chief advisor of Bangladesh's interim government Dr. Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Biden, in that rare meeting held breaching long-time practice, assured of providing all sorts of assistance to the Bangladesh government under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Muhammad Yunus afterwards.

Diplomatic sources say the Dhaka-Washington relations will move forward on the basis of those two meetings. Foreign secretary Md Jasim Uddin will leave for the US on 7 October to discuss the specific issues of cooperation between the two countries. He will be in Washington from 10-12 October. Before that, he will attend the UNGA to be held in New York.

Foreign ministry officials say during his three-day visit, the foreign secretary is scheduled to meet US acting under secretary for political affairs John Bass; under secretary of state for civilian security, democracy, and human rights Uzra Zeya; deputy assistant secretary of defence for South and Southeast Asia Lindsey Ford and assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch. Apart from these, preparations are underway to hold a meeting with senior officials of the finance, revenue and labour departments of the US. US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs Donald Lu is also expected to be present in this meeting.

This will be the third round of meetings between the two countries at different levels, including top level meetings, since the interim government took over on 8 August.

Earlier, on 15 September, a top-level US delegation visited Dhaka. After the US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken met the chief adviser Dr. Yunus in the last week of September.

Speaking regarding his upcoming US visit, foreign secretary Md Jasim Uddin told Prothom Alo that there had been a qualitative change in terms of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the US amid a changed context. The meeting between the US president and the chief adviser on the sidelines of the UNGA is a reflection of that. There will be discussions on how to further enhance cooperation between the two countries on the basis of the top level meetings held between the two countries late September during his upcoming visit to Washington.

The foreign ministry officials informed this correspondent that the progress of the talks between the two countries that have been held since the new government took over will be important in the upcoming visit of the foreign secretary. Overall, there will be talks on various issues, including reform at different sectors, economy, trade, investment, labour and human rights, good governance, preventing terrorism, defence, health, climate change and the Rohingya crisis.

According to diplomatic sources, the US secretary of state has mentioned that corruption is the main barrier for the US as the highest foreign investor to Bangladesh. The US is interested in helping Bangladesh on the basis of its experience to eradicate corruption.

The US secretary of state also mentioned the US importers’ concern with the prevailing law and order situation in Bangladesh in absence of the police. He stressed on good relations between the owners and workers to draw more investment and extend businesses.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Michael Kugelman, South Asia Institute director at The Wilson Center, a Washington-based policy research institute, said, “Washington has a good impression about Dr. Yunus. So the US administration will be comfortable about advancing relations between the two countries.”

“The visit of the top level US delegation was a message from Washington that they will stand by Dhaka in all aspects – developments, humanitarian assistance and reform. That message was quite sincere and realistic which further strengthened through the meeting between Biden and Dr. Yunus,” he added.

*This report appeared on the print and online versions of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten in English by Ashish Basu​

 

[Saif]

Foreign secy to visit US October 7-14

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin is scheduled to make an official visit to the United States on October 7-14 to hold a series of meetings as the two sides eye stronger relations in diverse areas.

www.thedailystar.net

Foreign secy to visit US October 7-14

Jashim Uddin

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin is scheduled to make an official visit to the United States on October 7-14 to hold a series of meetings as the two sides eye stronger relations in diverse areas.

This is going to be his first official visit abroad since appointment. Jashim will have meetings with senior officials of the US government, a diplomatic source told UNB, adding that he would visit both Washington and New York.​

 

[Saif]

US values Bangladesh as a partner in Indo-Pacific region: Uzra Zeya

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya has said the US values Bangladesh as a "partner" in the Indo-Pacific region and their "strong collaboration" as their leading partner on Rohingya response and number one source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

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US values Bangladesh as a partner in Indo-Pacific region: Uzra Zeya

Photo: Collected

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya has said the US values Bangladesh as a "partner" in the Indo-Pacific region and their "strong collaboration" as their leading partner on Rohingya response and number one source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

She shared a brief message on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday as she had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin in Washington on October 11.

"Vital discussion with Foreign Secretary Uddin on US-Bangladesh humanitarian cooperation, accountability and democratic institutions, and support for labor rights," she posted.

The foreign secretary and under-secretar had "fruitful discussions" on the reforms of the democratic institutions and upholding of democratic values, accountability of human rights violations, humanitarian response and sustainable solutions of the Rohingya crisis, and labour rights issues, etc, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.

He also had a "productive meeting" with US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma at the State Department, affirming renewal of commitment to deepen and expand bilateral ties, strengthen collaboration on areas of mutual interest.

Their discussions focused on the US technical and financial support to reform initiatives of the interim government and addressing challenges, Rohingya issue, labour law reforms etc.

The foreign secretary had a separate meeting with acting US Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass and discussed ways to deepen bilateral collaboration building on the momentum in the Bangladesh-US relationship and to advance impactful cooperation in priority areas.

He also had discussions on diverse issues at a meeting with US Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia Lindsey W Ford at the White House.

They covered interim government's reform agenda, democratic transition, economic and security issues, regional stability, Rohingya crisis, labour law etc.

Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin met Brendan Lynch, assistant USTR for South and Central Asia and discussed mutual cooperation to diversify export, DFQF access of RMGs produced from cotton imported from US, simplification of registration and reduction of registration fees for pharmaceutical products, labour law reforms, and access to US International Development Finance Cooperation (DFC).

A lunch meeting between the foreign secretary and key officials focussed on a wide range of issues of mutual interests.

US officials include Assistant Secretary Ambassador Donald Lu, Acting Assistant Secretary Marta C Youth, Deputy Assistant Secretary Nicole Chulick, Deputy Assistant Secretary Monica Ager Jacobsen, as well as Director Alla P Kamins.

The foreign secretary visited New York before his tour to Washington and is scheduled to leave Washington on October 14.​

 

[Saif]

US reaffirms strong support for Bangladesh

The United States has reiterated its assurance for strong cooperation with Bangladesh on democratic reforms and economic restructuring, emphasising the importance of Dhaka-Washington collaboration for the security and prosperity of South Asia.

en.prothomalo.com

US reaffirms strong support for Bangladesh
Diplomatic Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 12 Oct 2024, 10: 57

Foreign secretary Jashim Uddin holds a key meeting with acting under secretary of state for political affairs John Bass on 10 October, 2024.John Bass' X handle

The United States has reiterated its assurance for strong cooperation with Bangladesh on democratic reforms and economic restructuring, emphasising the importance of Dhaka-Washington collaboration for the security and prosperity of South Asia.

The issues came up as foreign secretary Jashim Uddin, who is now on an official trip to Washington, held meetings with different US officials. Some of them also shared the meeting outcomes on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

After reaching there Wednesday night, the foreign secretary held a key meeting with the acting under secretary of state for political affairs, John Bass, on the following day. Later, he was supposed to meet with Lindsey W Ford, senior director for South Asia at the US national security council; Richard R Verma, deputy secretary of state; and Brendan Lynch, assistant US trade representative.

The foreign secretary attended a luncheon with senior officials from the US state department, including assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu.

Sharing a still of his meeting with the foreign secretary, John Bass wrote on X, “Appreciated meeting today with Bangladesh’s foreign secretary Uddin to discuss our partnership on shared economic and counterterrorism goals. We discussed the vital importance of US-Bangladesh cooperation for regional security and prosperity.”

Deputy secretary of state Richard R Verma wrote, “Pleased to meet with Bangladesh’s foreign secretary Jashim Uddin to reaffirm the United States’ support for democratic reforms, stability, and strengthening of Bangladesh’s economy.”

Meanwhile, Marta Costanzo Youth, acting assistant secretary for the bureau of population, refugees, and migration, attended a lunch hosted by the Bangladesh chargé d' affaires in Washington, DM Salahuddin Mahmud, in honor of the foreign secretary.

After the event, Youth wrote on X, "Great meeting with Bangladesh foreign secretary Jashim Uddin. The US and Bangladesh have been partners on the Rohingya response from the beginning. The US is committed to continuing to support the response and encourage other donors to do more.”

Earlier, the US president, Joe Biden, had a rare meeting with the chief advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, Dr Muhammad Yunus, on the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly. He assured of strong US support for democratic reforms and economic restructuring in Bangladesh.

Later, the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, also met with the interim government chief and discussed bilateral cooperation in detail. Prior to these meetings, a high-level US delegation visited Bangladesh on 15 September. The foreign secretary’s US trip came in continuation of the diplomatic engagement.​

 

[Saif]

মার্কিন ব্যবসায়ীদের বাংলাদেশে আরও বিনিয়োগের আহ্বান প্রধান উপদেষ্টার

‘আপনার দায়িত্ব গ্রহণের পর থেকে আমেরিকান কোম্পানিগুলোর বাংলাদেশে আগ্রহ অনেক বেড়েছে।’

bangla.thedailystar.net

মার্কিন ব্যবসায়ীদের বাংলাদেশে আরও বিনিয়োগের আহ্বান প্রধান উপদেষ্টার
‘আপনার দায়িত্ব গ্রহণের পর থেকে আমেরিকান কোম্পানিগুলোর বাংলাদেশে আগ্রহ অনেক বেড়েছে।’

মার্কিন ব্যবসায়ীদের বাংলাদেশে আরও বিনিয়োগের আহ্বান জানিয়েছেন প্রধান উপদেষ্টা ড. মুহাম্মদ ইউনূস।

তিনি বলেন, অন্তর্বর্তী সরকার বিদেশি বিনিয়োগ আকর্ষণ এবং দেশের ব্যবসায়িক পরিবেশ উন্নয়নে বিভিন্ন পদক্ষেপ নিয়েছে।

ঢাকায় মঙ্গলবার রাষ্ট্রীয় অতিথি ভবন যমুনায় তিনি একটি মার্কিন ব্যবসায়ী প্রতিনিধি দলকে বলেন, 'আপনারা সঠিক সময়ে এ দেশে এসেছেন।'

এক্সিলারেট এনার্জির প্রধান নির্বাহী কর্মকর্তা (সিইও) এবং ইউএস-বাংলাদেশ বিজনেস কাউন্সিলের চেয়ারম্যান স্টিভেন কোবোসের নেতৃত্বে মার্কিন ব্যবসায়ী প্রতিনিধি দল এদিন প্রধান উপদেষ্টার সঙ্গে সাক্ষাৎ করেন।

অন্তর্বর্তী সরকারের নেতৃত্ব গ্রহণ করায় প্রধান উপদেষ্টার প্রশংসা করে স্টিভেন কোবোস বলেন, এটি বাংলাদেশে ব্যবসায় আস্থা বাড়াবে।

তিনি বলেন, 'আপনার দায়িত্ব গ্রহণের পর থেকে আমেরিকান কোম্পানিগুলোর বাংলাদেশে আগ্রহ অনেক বেড়েছে।'

কোবোস আরও জানান, ইউএস-বাংলাদেশ বিজনেস কাউন্সিলের সদস্যসহ শীর্ষস্থানীয় মার্কিন কোম্পানিগুলো দক্ষিণ এশিয়ার এই দেশে ব্যবসার সম্ভাবনা নিয়ে অনেক আগ্রহী।

তার কোম্পানি বাংলাদেশের জ্বালানি খাতে এবং কার্বন নিঃসরণ হ্রাসে আরও বিনিয়োগের পরিকল্পনা করছে, বলেন কোবোস।

তিনি বলেন, কোম্পানিটি দেশে তরলীকৃত প্রাকৃতিক গ্যাস (এলএনজি) সরবরাহ বৃদ্ধি করতে চায়। বর্তমানে এক্সিলারেট বাংলাদেশের দুটি অফশোর ফ্লোটিং স্টোরেজ এবং রিগ্যাসিফিকেশন ইউনিটে (এফএসআরইউ) বিনিয়োগ করেছে, যা প্রতিদিন এক দশমিক এক বিলিয়ন ঘনফুট গ্যাস সরবরাহ করে। দেশের দৈনিক গ্যাস সরবরাহের প্রায় ৩৪ শতাংশ এখান থেকে আসে।

সম্প্রতি মার্কিন যুক্তরাষ্ট্র সফরকালে প্রধান উপদেষ্টা ইউএস-বাংলাদেশ বিজনেস কাউন্সিলের একটি অনুষ্ঠানে বক্তব্য রাখেন। সেখানে এই সংগঠনের ৫০ জন সদস্য উপস্থিত ছিলেন, যার মধ্যে কিছু শীর্ষস্থানীয় আমেরিকান বহুজাতিক কোম্পানিও ছিল। ড. ইউনূস উপস্থিত মার্কিন ব্যবসায়ীদের বাংলাদেশে বিনিয়োগের আমন্ত্রণ জানান।

সাক্ষাৎকালে স্টিভেন কোবোসের সঙ্গে প্রতিনিধি দলে ঢাকায় যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের সাবেক রাষ্ট্রদূত পিটার হাসসহ এক্সিলারেট এনার্জির উচ্চপদস্থ কর্মকর্তারা ছিলেন। পিটার সম্প্রতি এক্সিলারেট এনার্জিতে স্ট্র্যাটেজিক অ্যাডভাইজার হিসেবে যোগ দিয়েছেন। এ ছাড়া, প্রতিনিধি দলে কোম্পানিটির ভাইস প্রেসিডেন্ট ডেরেক ওয়ং ও র‌্যামন ওয়াংডি এবং বাংলাদেশের আবাসিক ব্যবস্থাপক হাবিব ভূঁইয়া উপস্থিত ছিলেন।

সাক্ষাৎকালে প্রধান উপদেষ্টার এসডিজি বিষয়ক মুখ্য সমন্বয়ক লামিয়া মোরশেদ, বাংলাদেশ বিনিয়োগ উন্নয়ন কর্তৃপক্ষের (বিডা) নির্বাহী চেয়ারম্যান আশিক চৌধুরী ও জ্বালানি সচিব সাইফুল ইসলাম উপস্থিত ছিলেন।​

 

[Saif]

Strained relations with US improved a lot: foreign adviser

Bangladesh's strained relations with the United States have been improved under the present interim government, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said yesterday

www.thedailystar.net

Strained relations with US improved a lot: foreign adviser

Photo: BSS

Bangladesh's strained relations with the United States have been improved under the present interim government, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said yesterday.

There were some unnecessary strains with the US during the last government, especially towards the end of its tenure.

However, since the interim government assumed the office, the situation has improved a lot, he told reporters at a briefing at the foreign ministry yesterday afternoon.

The foreign adviser said during the ousted Awami League government's last tenure, tensions between Dhaka and Washington had been heightened unnecessarily.

He focused on Bangladesh's relationship with the US and emphasised on maintaining good relations with all countries.

"Our policy is to foster positive relations with everyone. The previous strain with the US was a deviation from this policy, but now we have been able to correct it," he said.​

 

[Saif]

US reaffirms commitment to women’s economic growth in Bangladesh

The US has reaffirmed its commitment to women's economic empowerment and fostering economic growth that is both gender-inclusive and provides opportunities to religious and other minorities across Bangladesh

www.thedailystar.net

US reaffirms commitment to women’s economic growth in Bangladesh

Star Digital Graphics

The US has reaffirmed its commitment to women's economic empowerment and fostering economic growth that is both gender-inclusive and provides opportunities to religious and other minorities across Bangladesh.

US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Megan Bouldin made this comment as she presided over an event celebrating 90 aspiring women entrepreneurs on their completion of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme in partenership with BRAC University's Center for Entrepreneurship Development in the capital today.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 78 exceptional women entrepreneurs from across Bangladesh -- including Sylhet, Cumilla, Barishal, Khagrachari, Jashore, Chattogram, and Dhaka -- who successfully completed the second cohort of the US government-funded AWE Program, says a US embassy statement.

Congratulating the women, Bouldin said, the women were paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs and proving that women have a critical role to play in Bangladesh's economic development.

During the ceremony, six top business pitch winners from the latest cohort were awarded for their outstanding business proposals

Chargé d'Affaires Bouldin also announced an additional $30,000 grant to fund a business pitch competition among 140 participants from all AWE cohorts.

"We are thrilled to announce this funding, which will allow women from all cohorts to compete for multiple $5,000 awards to support their entrepreneurial ventures," Bouldin added.

The event featured a mini-fair and exhibition where participants showcased and sold their products, demonstrating the entrepreneurial skills they developed through the programme.​

 

[Saif]

The Gen Z factor in geopolitics and the Bangladesh-US dynamics

Gen Z should keep in mind that the US cannot afford to overlook a partner like Bangladesh given the country’s pivotal position in South Asia’s economic landscape.

www.thedailystar.net

The Gen Z factor in geopolitics and the Bangladesh-US dynamics

VISUAL: SALMAN SAKIB SHAHRYAR

In his victory speech following the US presidential election last month, President-elect Donald Trump began by thanking his supporters and highlighting the unwavering support of his family, especially his youngest son, Barron Trump. Barron, who stood by his father's side during the speech, was acknowledged as a source of strength throughout the campaign, particularly his silent role in shaping the podcast strategy for the Trump campaign during the election. Barron masterminded the well-crafted campaign's digital presence, utilising podcasts as a key platform to engage with tech-savvy voters, with his calm presence offering a softening contrast to the fiery rhetoric of the election. This draws an interesting parallel to developments in Bangladesh, and both offer a glimpse into a future where youth-driven values can guide the direction of politics and trade.

The argument that those belonging to Generation Z, or Gen Z, is too immature to take on higher roles, overtaking more experienced generations, overlooks the fact that maturity and leadership are not solely defined by age or years of experience, but by fresh perspectives and the ability to address current challenges. Rather than criticising Gen Z for stepping into leading roles, it is more productive to guide them through the complexities of the future. By fostering intergenerational collaboration, older generations can equip Gen Z with the tools they need to lead effectively in an ever-evolving global landscape, navigating the nuances of decision-making, diplomacy, and long-term strategy. For instance, Gen Z in Bangladesh must grasp the complexities of global trade, including the influence of major powers like the US, China, Russia and the EU, each with its own economic priorities and strategies.

Gen Z should keep in mind that the US cannot afford to overlook a partner like Bangladesh given the country's pivotal position in South Asia's economic landscape. Bangladesh's geopolitical location along the Bay of Bengal places it at the crossroads of vital maritime routes and in close proximity to other major players, including India and China. Supporting Bangladesh's economic stability aligns with the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, offering a counterbalance to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and reducing excessive reliance on Beijing in an increasingly contested region. By understanding these complexities, Gen Z leaders can advocate for policies that not only drive growth locally, but also position Bangladesh as a bridge between aforesaid larger powers. Likewise, they must actively participate in international forums, harnessing its geopolitical influence to negotiate better trade terms, attract foreign green investments, and secure support on critical climate issues, especially given Bangladesh's vulnerability.

For the US, missing out on Bangladesh as a partner would mean yielding influence in South Asia to China and Russia, potentially limiting its own access to the rapidly growing South Asian market and diminishing regional strategic foothold. Conversely, by leveraging the Indo-Pacific Strategy and EU Global Gateway together with the potential BRICS and ASEAN alignment, Bangladesh can pursue a more autonomous development path that safeguards its economic interests and strategic flexibility. This multi-aligned approach empowers Bangladesh to tap into a variety of global resources, strengthening its economy while asserting its role as a key player in the geopolitical and economic order of Asia.

Gen Z should recognise that Bangladesh's growing maturity opens new opportunities for deeper US engagement given a renewed Trump presidency. No longer just a partner for development assistance or low-cost manufacturing, Bangladesh is increasingly a sophisticated strategic ally ready to foster a forward-looking relationship based on mutual economic growth and matured strategic alignment. Expanding trade and investment in emerging sectors, supporting the diversification of Bangladesh's economy, and increasing trade preferences could not only secure US interests in Asia, but also ensure that Bangladesh remains resilient in a region of growing strategic significance.

Bangladesh's growing role as a soft power leader within the Muslim world is a significant asset that enhances its strategic appeal to the US, especially amid shifting global alliances. As the world's third largest Muslim-majority country, Bangladesh is well-positioned to influence and engage with other Muslim-majority nations with a rich history of promoting religious tolerance and social stability. This moderate stance of the country offers a model that can resonate in regions susceptible to extremism, making it a potentially valuable partner for the US in promoting win-win stability across the Muslim world. For the US, which has often struggled to engage with Muslim-majority countries in ways that align with both security interests and values, Bangladesh's leadership in the Muslim world offers a resourceful bridge.

A second Trump administration would have an opportunity to engage with Bangladesh as it aims to establish more accountable governance free from the undue influence of neighbouring powers. Bangladesh is currently navigating complex challenges, including political reforms, economic stabilisation, and curbing external pressures. Recent steps taken by the interim government to introduce reforms in various crucial sectors signal a desire for a more transparent and autonomous leadership, making it an ideal time for the US to support Bangladesh's ambitions for a stable and sovereign future. Furthermore, by addressing the root causes of regional crises, such as border tensions, refugee pressures and political interference, Trump could advance a cooperative framework that supports Bangladesh's national sovereignty. Moreover, the Yunus effect for Bangladesh stands as a powerful equation linking the US and Bangladesh through shared values of economic development, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility.

The role of a well-informed Gen Z in shaping Bangladesh-US trade relations through a growing demand for stability, sovereignty, and sustainability will only strengthen them, positioning them as a key catalyst for transformative change in future global trade dynamics.

Dr Iftekhar Ul Karim is assistant professor at BRAC Business School, BRAC University.​

 

[Saif]

US remains top country in credit card spending by Bangladeshis

The USA has been the top country in terms of international spending by Bangladeshi cardholders for the fifth consecutive month until November..The North American country replaced India in July last year when Bangladesh faced deadly student protests over public job quotas, which subsequentl

www.thedailystar.net

US remains top country in credit card spending by Bangladeshis

The USA has been the top country in terms of international spending by Bangladeshi cardholders for the fifth consecutive month until November.

The North American country replaced India in July last year when Bangladesh faced deadly student protests over public job quotas, which subsequently toppled the Sheikh Hasina government in early August.

Since then, it has remained the top country for international spending by Bangladesh's credit cardholders, according to the Bangladesh Bank's (BB) monthly report on domestic and international usage of credit cards.

In November 2024, the USA accounted for 15.87 percent of the total Tk 431 crore spent by holders of Bangladesh's credit cards in foreign countries.

Spending in India, where thousands of Bangladeshi people visit for medical treatment, business, and tourism, was the second-highest in terms of international spending through credit cards in November. In October, spending through credit cards issued by banks in Bangladesh was the second highest in Thailand.

The central bank reported that overall transactions through credit cards in domestic and international markets declined in November compared to the previous month.

Transactions within Bangladesh fell by 2.55 percent to Tk 2,793 crore in November from Tk 2,866 crore in October.

Similarly, transactions outside the country stood at Tk 431 crore in November, down 13.5 percent from the previous month, according to the Bangladesh Bank, which prepared the report using data from 44 banks and one non-banking financial institution.

The data indicates a mixed spending pattern across different sectors.

Domestic spending at department stores fell to Tk 1,333 crore in November from Tk 1,400 crore a month ago. The Bangladesh Bank also noted that cash withdrawals and transportation expenses experienced slight increases.

Internationally, department stores continued to dominate spending, contributing to 29 percent of total transactions abroad.

Based on the data, it can be concluded that Bangladeshi credit cardholders conducted approximately 2.13 times more transactions outside the country compared to foreign nationals within Bangladesh in November 2024, the Bangladesh Bank reported.​

 

[Saif]

American investor Ray Dalio meets Yunus in Davos

American investor Ray Dalio has met Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus in Switzerland’s Davos. Dalio, the founder of Marino Management and Dalio Family Office, held the meeting on Friday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, or WEF, Annual Meeting 2025. Aamer Alireza, chairman of the exec

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

American investor Ray Dalio meets Yunus in Davos
Published :
Jan 24, 2025 22:56
Updated :
Jan 24, 2025 22:56

American investor Ray Dalio has met Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus in Switzerland’s Davos.

Dalio, the founder of Marino Management and Dalio Family Office, held the meeting on Friday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, or WEF, Annual Meeting 2025.

Aamer Alireza, chairman of the executive committee of the Xenel Group (Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company) also met the interim prime minister, according to Chief Advisor’s Deputy Press Secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar.

Yunus arrived in Switzerland on Tuesday and is set to attend seven events on Friday, the final day of his visit, reports bdnews24.com.

During his visit, he attended a Bangladesh-focused dialogue and held meetings with business leaders and heads of international organisations.

The chief advisor is expected to return to Bangladesh on Saturday.​

 

[Saif]

Future of US aid in Bangladesh

THE decision by US President Donald Trump to suspend foreign aid for 90 days, announced on the very night of his second term inauguration, has raised concerns across the globe. For countries like Bangladesh, where US assistance is crucial in development efforts, this move warrants careful...

www.newagebd.net

Future of US aid in Bangladesh
MA Hossain 26 January, 2025, 00:00

New Age

THE decision by US President Donald Trump to suspend foreign aid for 90 days, announced on the very night of his second term inauguration, has raised concerns across the globe. For countries like Bangladesh, where US assistance is crucial in development efforts, this move warrants careful examination. Stakeholders, development partners, and analysts are now assessing the potential implications, not just for Bangladesh, but for global stability and progress.

Since Bangladesh’s independence, the United States has been a critical development partner, contributing to sectors like food security, health, governance, education, and environmental sustainability. According to USAID, Bangladesh hosts one of Asia’s largest US development programmes, highlighting its strategic importance in South Asia. This partnership has not just been about funding but about fostering progress that benefits millions of lives.

In recent years, US aid has played a transformative role in addressing the Rohingya crisis, which has burdened Bangladesh with the care of nearly one million refugees. With over $2.5 billion in humanitarian assistance since 2017, the US has been the largest donor to this cause. This aid has not only supported Rohingya refugees but also benefitted host communities in Cox’s Bazar, a region facing immense socio-economic strain. Without sustained US support, the question looms: how will this crisis — already a monumental task — be managed?

Beyond humanitarian assistance, US aid fuels critical development projects. In 2023 alone, Bangladesh received $490 million from the US, supporting initiatives across various sectors. This aid is indispensable for a country aiming to transition to upper-middle-income status by 2031. The suspension of such aid raises immediate concerns about the fate of ongoing projects and the future of critical programmes. For instance, how will the Rohingya crisis be managed without sustained US support? Who will fill the vacuum if US funding is curtailed?

The executive order directing the suspension of US foreign aid marks a seismic shift in American foreign policy. According to the White House, this reassessment aims to ensure that US foreign aid aligns with national interests, prioritising safety, strength, and prosperity for Americans. Secretary of state Marco Rubio encapsulated this approach by asking, ‘Does it make the US safer? Does it make the US stronger? Does it make the US more prosperous?’ The implication is clear: aid programmes that fail to directly benefit the US could face cuts or termination.

This marks a departure from the traditional view of foreign aid as a tool for global stability, poverty alleviation, and diplomatic goodwill. Instead, it places US interests above multilateral or humanitarian considerations, signalling a retreat from global leadership. While some Americans might see this as a pragmatic move, its long-term ramifications — both for global stability and US strategic interests — are troubling.

The US decision to withdraw from the World Health Organisation adds another layer of uncertainty. The WHO has been a vital partner in combating health challenges in Bangladesh, including the Covid-19 pandemic. Reduced funding for the organisation could weaken its capacity to support developing countries, leaving Bangladesh vulnerable to public health crises. Moreover, the broader implications are equally troubling. US aid has been instrumental in fostering democracy, promoting gender equality, and enhancing climate resilience in Bangladesh. Any disruption to these programmes could derail progress and undermine the country’s development trajectory.

This is not just a Bangladesh issue; it’s a global one. For decades, the United States has been the largest provider of foreign aid, using its resources to address global challenges, from poverty to pandemics. This leadership role has helped maintain a semblance of balance in an increasingly fragmented world. However, the shift in US policy threatens to upend this dynamic. Countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that rely heavily on US assistance could face severe setbacks. The potential weakening of multilateral institutions like the WHO could exacerbate global inequalities, leaving vulnerable populations without access to essential services.

Moreover, the US decision could embolden other nations to adopt a similarly insular approach, undermining international cooperation. In an era where global challenges — climate change, pandemics, and migration — require collective action, the withdrawal of US leadership could have dire consequences.

President Trump’s executive order is rooted in the argument that US aid programmes must align with American interests. While this is a legitimate consideration, it’s worth questioning whether such a narrow definition of ‘interest’ serves the US or the world in the long run. Foreign aid is not merely an act of altruism; it’s a strategic investment. By addressing poverty, instability, and crises abroad, the US reduces the risk of conflicts, migration, and security threats that could spill over into its borders. In regions like South Asia, where geopolitical tensions run high, US aid plays a stabilising role, fostering goodwill and strengthening alliances.

For Bangladesh, the US has been more than just a donor — it has been a partner in progress. This partnership is built on shared interests, from economic growth to regional stability. It would be short-sighted to undermine these gains in the name of immediate national benefits. Bangladesh, too, must take this opportunity to reflect. It should engage in diplomatic efforts to emphasise the mutual benefits of continued US aid. Highlighting Bangladesh’s strategic importance as a partner in South Asia could help secure support for critical programs. While the US aid suspension poses significant challenges, it also serves as a wake-up call to diversify its sources of aid and investment. Reliance on a single donor is risky, and strengthening ties with other nations and multilateral organisations could provide a buffer against potential aid cuts. Moreover, Bangladesh must accelerate efforts to achieve self-reliance. By fostering economic growth, improving governance, and investing in human capital, the country can reduce its dependence on foreign aid and chart its own course towards prosperity.

At the same time, the US must recognise that its global leadership role comes with responsibilities. By prioritising short-term gains over long-term stability, it risks losing the trust and goodwill of its partners. In an interconnected world, true strength lies not in isolation, but in collaboration. The withdrawal of US aid, if mishandled, could lead to a domino effect of reduced international cooperation, jeopardising progress made over decades.

In the face of uncertainty, Bangladesh must adopt a proactive approach. Diplomatic efforts should be redoubled to emphasise the mutual benefits of continued U.S. aid. Highlighting Bangladesh’s strategic importance as a partner in South Asia could help secure support for critical programmes. Additionally, policymakers must prioritise resilience and innovation to navigate these uncertain times.

The suspension of US aid forces us to question whether nations can truly afford to prioritise insular interests at the expense of global stability. For Bangladesh, the path ahead is fraught with challenges. But with resilience, strategic diplomacy, and a commitment to self-reliance, it can navigate this uncertain terrain and continue its journey towards a brighter future.

MA Hossain is a political and defence analyst based in Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

US global aid cut to affect Bangladeshi projects, Rohingyas exempted

There are now over 100 projects being implemented with USAID funds of over $200 million in the areas of health, agriculture, environment, good governance, democracy promotion, among others

www.thedailystar.net

US global aid cut to affect Bangladeshi projects, Rohingyas exempted

As part of global funding suspension in line with US President Donald Trump's new policy, the US aid agency has directed all the implementing partner in Bangladesh to immediately stop, cease, and suspend any work of the USAID-funded projects.

However, the move excludes aid support for the Rohingya community sheltered in Bangladesh.

"This letter serves as a directive to all USAID/Bangladesh Implementing Partners to immediately stop, cease, and/or suspend any work performed under your respective USAID/Bangladesh contract, task order, grant, cooperative agreement, or other acquisition or assistance instrument," says a letter issued by Richard B Aaron, director for the Office of Acquisition & Assistance of USAID yesterday.

Contacted, the US embassy in Dhaka today said it has no comments, but referred the Trump administration's executive order issued by the White House on January 20.

A diplomatic source has confirmed to The Daily Star of issuing of the letter.

The executive order by the White House has issues a 90-day pause in the US foreign development assistance.

"It is the policy of United States that no further United States foreign assistance shall be disbursed in a manner that is not fully aligned with the foreign policy of the President of the United States,"

There are now over 100 projects being implemented with USAID funds of over $200 million in the areas of health, agriculture, environment, good governance, democracy promotion, among others.

The US government provided Bangladesh about $490 million in 2023 for the development sector. In September last year, the USAID committed to provide $202.25 million in aid as part of the Development Objective Grant Agreement (DOAG).

The letter said the partners shall take all reasonable steps to minimise the incurrence of costs allocable to their awards and not resume work under their awards until notification has been received in writing from the contracting/agreement officer that this award stop work order or suspension has been cancelled.

It also asked the implementing partners to send a certification that they have completely ceased the activities concerned.

The letter also said that the USAID anticipates many questions concerning the notification that it will follow up with further guidance as soon as available.

A diplomatic source said the emergency food and other assistance may not be affected by the US policy.

Meanwhile, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in a statement expressed his gratitude to President Donald Trump for exempting life-saving food and nutrition support for the displaced Rohingya sheltered in Bangladesh from the US aid freeze.

"Officials of the US Embassy in Dhaka visited High Representative Dr Khalilur Rahman this afternoon and informed him about this exemption," said the CA's press wing in a statement.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Strategic partner stopped the aid to BD. What is being propagated on forum is exactly opposite of what is happening in reality.

 

[Vsdoc]

@RayKalm @PakistanProud @TheNewb77 @ThunderCat

Why is this forum and moderators like @Bilal9 allowing the disbursement of false propaganda?

 

[Saif]

Strategic partner stopped the aid to BD. What is being propagated on forum is exactly opposite of what is happening in reality.

You did not read the news carefully. Trump has stopped financial aid to all poor countries in the world for 3 months. The aid suspension is not Bangladesh specific.

 

[Saif]

Top US businessman wants to invest in Bangladesh

Top US businessman Gentry Beach expressed his interest to invest in Bangladesh during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus yesterday in Dhaka.

www.thedailystar.net

Top US businessman wants to invest in Bangladesh

Gentry Beach

Top US businessman Gentry Beach expressed his interest to invest in Bangladesh during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus yesterday in Dhaka.

Beach, chief executive and founder of Highground Holdings, said his company had already acquired multiple assets in Bangladesh and would like to invest more in the country's energy, finance and other sectors, according to a statement.

"You have done a great job," he told the chief adviser, adding that the law and order situation had improved and stability had returned.

Beach, who headed a delegation of US billionaire investors, has close business ties with Trump family.

He came to Dhaka from Pakistan by chartered plane yesterday for a brief visit, and also met with political leaders and top government officials.

"It is time for more investment to come to this country. We are excited to be here," Beach, who is also chairman of Paramount USA, told Professor Yunus.

He said his company was also interested in investing in real estate, especially in low-cost social housing, aerospace and defence.

Professor Yunus welcomed Beach for making investments at "a critical time" for the country.

He said that the interim government was carrying out reforms to attract more foreign direct investment in Bangladesh.

"The country is ready for business. The business conditions are now right. We are beginning a new chapter in our history," the chief adviser said.

Professor Yunus said Bangladesh needed more US investment in many sectors, including gas exploration in onshore and offshore fields.

Beach, whose company has invested in Africa and plans to invest in Pakistan, said more American investment would mean a rise in labour wages.

"We will make Bangladesh great again," he said.

Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) Chairman Ashik Chowdhury and Senior Secretary to SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed were also present.

Earlier, in a meeting with political leaders, an adviser to the interim government, and senior Bida officials at the InterContinental Dhaka yesterday, Beach expressed interest in investing in mineral and gas exploration in Bangladesh.

The visit of the delegation of US billionaire investors aims to assess investment opportunities and available facilities in the country, said Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Nayeb-e-Ameer (vice-president) of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, at a media briefing after the meeting.

"At the meeting, we highlighted the current political situation, stability, investment opportunities, and avenues for cooperation. We have encouraged them to invest in Bangladesh," he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was expected to attend the meeting but did not, Taher said.

Responding to a question, the Jamaat leader said that his party does not believe US-Bangladesh relations have worsened following Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election.

"Although there were concerns that Bangladesh's relationship with the USA might deteriorate, that has not happened," he said.

He emphasised that global policies, politics and business interests do not depend on a single individual and vary from one person to another.

"These matters are driven by international policies. I believe there will be no negative impact. In fact, I think the relationship will improve," he said.

Taher also said that Beach has close ties to the Trump family. "He is a business partner of the Trump family and collaborates with Trump's son. They have business interests in minerals and operate in 44 countries," he said.

Earlier this week, Beach also pledged billions of US dollars in investment in Pakistan during his visit to the South Asian country. However, Beach and Mahfuj Alam, an adviser to the interim government, who attended the meeting, declined to comment afterwards.

An official of the US embassy in Dhaka said Beach came as a private person and his visit was not connected with the US government.​

 

[Bilal9]

The Hindutva folks here should stop getting excited.

USAID foreign assistance to India was also frozen.

ALL USAID assistance disbursed overseas was frozen, not just Bangladesh

And then, today (due to legal challenges) The White House has rescinded the freezing of Federal Aid including that to USAID.

 

[Bilal9]

Beach, whose company has invested in Africa and plans to invest in Pakistan, said more American investment would mean a rise in labour wages.

"We will make Bangladesh great again," he said.

Wow! A bit unreal.

He didn't make a trip to New Delhi....why?

 

[Saif]

Wow! A bit unreal.

He didn't make a trip to New Delhi....why?

May be Trump forbade him to visit India at this time.

 

[Saif]

US TARIFF ON CANADA, MEXICO, CHINA: A window of opportunity for Bangladesh

THE United States has implemented a series of executive order tariffs, effective from February 4, on key trading partners, including Canada, Mexico and China, as part of its broader trade policy agenda. Additional 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, whereas 10 per cent tariffs...

www.newagebd.net

US TARIFF ON CANADA, MEXICO, CHINA: A window of opportunity for Bangladesh
Imran Hossain 11 February, 2025, 00:00

New Age

THE United States has implemented a series of executive order tariffs, effective from February 4, on key trading partners, including Canada, Mexico and China, as part of its broader trade policy agenda. Additional 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, whereas 10 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods are also imposed by US president Donald Trump. The orders are considered as bold steps to hold China, Canada and Mexico accountable for their pledges to curb illegal immigration and the flow of poisonous fentanyl and other drugs into the United States. These tariffs, aimed at protecting domestic industries and addressing trade imbalances, have had far-reaching consequences for global trade dynamics. One unintended beneficiary of these policies has been Bangladesh, which has seen an opportunity to enhance its export competitiveness in the global market. This article explores how US tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China have created a favourable environment for Bangladesh to expand its export footprint, particularly in the apparel and textile sectors, as well as leather and agricultural products.

US tariffs on Canada and Mexico

THE US imposition of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, particularly vehicle parts, fruits, vegetables, spirits, beer, lumber, grains, potatoes, steel and aluminium, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, initially strained trade relations within North America. While the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement eventually replaced NAFTA and eased some tensions, the tariffs created uncertainty in the short term. This uncertainty prompted US importers to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on Canadian and Mexican manufacturers for certain goods.

For Bangladesh, this shift presented an opportunity. As a low-cost manufacturing hub with a strong focus on ready-made garments, Bangladesh was well-positioned to fill the gap. The country’s competitive labour costs, coupled with its duty-free access to the US market under the Generalised System of Preferences for certain products, made it an attractive alternative for US buyers. Additionally, Bangladesh’s growing expertise in non-traditional sectors like leather goods and footwear further enhanced its appeal as a sourcing destination.

US-China trade war

THE US-China trade war, marked by successive rounds of tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of goods, has been the most significant driver of shifting global trade patterns. The US imposed an additional 10 per cent tariff on a wide range of Chinese products, including textiles, electronics and machinery, to curb China’s dominance in global trade and address intellectual property like Deepseek concerns. These tariffs disrupted established supply chains, forcing US companies to seek alternative sourcing destinations.

Bangladesh emerged as a key beneficiary of this realignment. As Chinese exports to the US become more expensive due to tariffs, global buyers will begin to shift their orders to other low-cost countries. Bangladesh, with its well-established RMG sector, is a natural choice. The country’s apparel exports to the US surged, as it offered competitive pricing and compliance with international labour and environmental standards. Moreover, Bangladesh’s focus on sustainable manufacturing practices resonated with US buyers seeking ethically produced goods.

According to a report on the Asian Development Bank, 2021, the trade war also accelerated the relocation of Chinese manufacturing units to Bangladesh. Facing rising production costs and tariffs, many Chinese investors turned to Bangladesh to take advantage of its low wages and preferential trade agreements. This influx of foreign investment has not only boosted Bangladesh’s export capacity but also facilitated technology transfer and skill development, further enhancing its competitiveness.

Prospects for Bangladesh

WHILE US tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China have created opportunities for Bangladesh, the country must address several challenges to fully capitalise on these developments. Infrastructure bottlenecks, such as port congestion and inadequate transportation networks, remain significant hurdles. Additionally, Bangladesh must improve its ease of doing business rankings to attract more foreign investment and diversify its export basket beyond RMG.

To sustain its export growth, Bangladesh should focus on innovation, value addition and compliance with international standards. Investing in technology and automation will be crucial to maintaining cost competitiveness as wages rise. Besides, the interim government needs to find long-term solutions for electricity shortages and banking sector concerns by forming the Export Development Fund to ensure sustainability in the export industry. Furthermore, the government should negotiate free trade agreements with key markets, including the US, to secure long-term trade benefits.

The US tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China have reshaped global trade dynamics, creating a window of opportunity for Bangladesh to enhance its export competitiveness. By leveraging its cost advantages, expanding its manufacturing capabilities and addressing structural challenges, Bangladesh can solidify its position as a preferred sourcing destination for global buyers. As the global economy continues to evolve, Bangladesh must adopt a proactive approach to trade policy and industrial development to ensure sustained growth and prosperity. In the end, we can expect that the impact of US tariffs has inadvertently boosted Bangladesh’s export competitiveness, underscoring the country’s potential as a strategic partner for global brands navigating an evolving trade landscape.

Imran Hossain is a lecturer in business administration at the Rabindra Maitree University, Kushtia.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh to import more US cotton to ward off Trump tariff

Bangladesh looks to import more cotton from the US so that both American suppliers and local businesses can benefit and the country can get immunity from Trump’s tariff war, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said yesterday.

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh to import more US cotton to ward off Trump tariff

File photoi: BSS

Bangladesh looks to import more cotton from the US so that both American suppliers and local businesses can benefit and the country can get immunity from Trump's tariff war, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said yesterday.

The Trump administration has been imposing high tariffs on different countries, but Bangladeshi goods have not been targeted by such measures so far.

If Bangladesh imports more cotton from the US, the American government will hesitate to impose tariffs on goods made in Bangladesh, which has been performing well in the US markets despite facing high duties of 15.62 percent, according to Hossain.

The adviser made these comments at a workshop on the importance and potential of cotton cultivation in Bangladesh to save foreign currency.

The session was jointly organised by the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF), the Bangladesh Cotton Ginners Association, and Bangladesh Sudan Ginning Cotton Co Ltd (Sudan) at the ERF auditorium in Dhaka.

Hossain added that the government would offer bonded warehouse facilities to cotton ginners so they can receive fair prices. This will be part of a greater process to ensure the adequate and timely supply of cotton.

Bonded warehouse facilities would allow ginners -- which are individuals or entities that operate a cotton gin, a machine that separates cotton fibres from their seeds and other impurities -- to supply cotton to spinners for at least 10 fewer cents per pound, which will ultimately benefit the industries.

He revealed that Bangladesh sometimes imports lower-grade cotton at higher prices due to a lack of bonded warehouse facilities.

Hossain also stated that the government would consider classifying cotton as an agricultural product so that growers can benefit from subsidies are encouraged to cultivate more.

"If cotton is recognised as an agricultural product, farmers can be given subsidies to encourage cultivation. They can also avail bank loans."

He said he would urge the government to extend policy support for the cotton cultivators since both the production and import of cotton are important for the textile and garment sectors.

Moreover, Hossain said he wanted to increase cotton production so that it could meet 20 percent of Bangladesh's annual requirement of roughly 90 lakh bales. At present, domestically grown cotton meets only 2 percent of the domestic demand.

Additionally, the adviser assured he would try to remove the 4 percent advanced income tax on cotton ginning.

Land that is being used for tobacco cultivation should be repurposed for cotton cultivation, the adviser said, adding that he did not oppose tobacco cultivation.

He assured that he would raise a proposal which would allow cotton ginners to seek soft loans like the tannery and rawhide sectors to the advisory council soon.

Hossain further said he was not in favour of deferring Bangladesh's status graduation from the group of least developed countries (LDCs).

Since the EU and a few other countries will continue LDC trade benefits for Bangladesh up to 2029, he reasoned that it is a good time to prepare for graduation.

Preparation is very important as the EU has already given a list of actions to qualify for obtaining GSP Plus facilities in EU markets.

"Many taxable people are not paying taxes, so Bangladesh's current tax to gross domestic product ratio stands at around 8 percent, which is even lower than Nepal's. It is shameful," he said.

Bangladesh must increase the tax-GDP ratio to ensure social benefits, he added.

Md Fakhre Alam Ibne Tabib, executive director of the Cotton Development Board, said it is possible to produce 20 to 25 lakh tonnes of cotton in the country if proper policy support is given.

Golam Sarwar, general secretary of the Bangladesh Cotton Ginners Association, said cotton is a subsidised product worldwide, but not in Bangladesh.

Abul Khayer, a Bangladeshi cotton grower in Sudan, said he produces cotton on 32,000 acres of land. He urged Bangladeshis to go to Sudan and cultivate cotton.

Moazzem Hossain, member of the National Board of Revenue, said ginners can be incentivised as they are supplying to the local industrial sector.

ERF President Doulot Akter Mala and General Secretary Abul Kashem also spoke.​

 

[Saif]

Trump’s 2 deputy assistant secretaries to arrive Wed; democratic transition, tariffs, Myanmar issues to dominate meeting

This will be the first delegation from the US President Trump administration to visit Bangladesh.

en.prothomalo.com

Trump’s 2 deputy assistant secretaries to arrive Wed; democratic transition, tariffs, Myanmar issues to dominate meeting
Diplomatic CorrespondentDhaka
Published: 14 Apr 2025, 22: 29

Nicole Ann Chulick, deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) of US Department of State, and Andrew R Herrup, deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. US Department of State

Nicole Ann Chulick, deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) of US Department of State, and Andrew R Herrup, deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, will arrive in Dhaka early Wednesday on a three-day visit.

This will be the first delegation from the US President Trump administration to visit Bangladesh.

Various issues related to the Dhaka-Washington relations including reforms and democratic transition in Bangladesh, reciprocal tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, US assistance in Rohingya crisis and situation in Myanmar will be discussed during their visit.

According to officials from the foreign ministry and Bangladesh’s mission in Washington, Nicole Chulick will arrive in Dhaka first on Wednesday and Andrew Herrup will arrive later. Susan Stevenson, US chargé d’affaires in Myanmar, is likely to join Andrew Herrup.

According to diplomatic sources, the two deputy assistant secretaries will meet the US embassy officials in Dhaka on the first day to discuss current political situation in Bangladesh.

They will then hold separate meetings with leaders of various political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, as well as representatives of civil society. The US officials will meet with foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National security adviser Khalilur Rahman and other senior government representatives on Thursday.

Regarding this, , foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain told Prothom Alo this would be the first high-level visit from the US since Donald Trump took office as president. As a result, various issues of the bilateral relations will be discussed. Relevantly, the issue of reciprocal tariffs imposed by Donald Trump might arise during discussions, he added.

Diplomatic sources said Nicole Chulick will focus on discussions with high-level interim government representatives on reform processes, especially on the US assistance to Bangladesh in its democratic transition. She might exchange views with leaders of various political parties including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, as well as representatives of civil society.

On the other hand, Andrew Herrup’s visit will emphasise the Myanmar and Rohingya situations. The Myanmar junta has no control over the country except for a few areas. Myanmar has become a hub for drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, abductions of foreign nationals, and human trafficking, including women and children, along with the persisting Rohingya issue.​

 

[Saif]

2 US officials in Dhaka to discuss trade, tariff, Rohingya, politics

Two United States high officials, deputy assistant secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Nicole Ann Chulick arrived at Dhaka on Tuesday, and deputy assistant secretary at the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs...

www.newagebd.net

2 US officials in Dhaka to discuss trade, tariff, Rohingya, politics
Staff Correspondent 15 April, 2025, 21:52

From left, Andrew R Herrup and Nicole Ann Chulick. | BSS photo

Two United States high officials, deputy assistant secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Nicole Ann Chulick arrived at Dhaka on Tuesday, and deputy assistant secretary at the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Andrew R Herrup is due in city today on official visits to discuss trade, reciprocal tariffs, Rohingya and other issues of bilateral interest.

The US delegation, led by Nicole Ann Chulick who met her US colleagues on her arrival, would begin its official engagements today, officials in Dhaka confirmed.

These are the first delegations from the administration of the newly elected US president, Donald Trump, to visit Bangladesh.

Foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain in the past week said that they would discuss all aspects of relations with the US delegations.

The delegations are likely to hold separate meetings with political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, besides government officials and civil society members over Bangladesh’s democratic transition, reform initiatives of the interim government led by chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, and bilateral trade, among other issues, according to officials concerned.

The previous Biden administration extended support for reforms and democratic transition in Bangladesh.

The delegation led by Andrew Herrup during its visit would focus on the Rohingya crisis and Myanmar situation as Bangladesh has been pressing for the return of more than 1.2 million Myanmar nationals of Rohingya community who fled to Bangladesh, facing brutal atrocities by the Myanmar military since 2017.

Susan Stevenson, US chargé d’affaires in Myanmar, is likely to join Andrew Herrup during his visit to Bangladesh beginning today.

The US deputy assistant secretaries are scheduled to depart Dhaka by April 18.

Bangladesh, which had appealed for a pause in the reciprocal tariffs slapped recently by the Trump administration, has already welcomed the US decision for a 90-day suspension of the reciprocal tariffs for most countries.

On April 9, the US president Donald Trump declared a complete halt on all ‘reciprocal’ tariffs, taking immediate effect, with the exception of those imposed on China, Canada and Mexico.

In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump stated that he had ‘authorised a 90-day pause, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately.’

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on April 7 sent a letter to US president Donald Trump, requesting a three-month postponement of the proposed reciprocal tariff measures on Bangladeshi exports to the US, single largest destination of Bangladesh’s readymade garment exports.

The move came after Trump announced steep 37 per cent tariff on April 2, triggering an alarm in Dhaka over its potential impact on export earnings and jobs in key sectors such as garments and textiles.​

 

[Saif]

US delegation meets Chief Adviser, discusses reform, Rohingya, trade

A visiting US delegation called on Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Thursday and expressed support for the reform agenda of the Interim Government. They also discussed regional issues of peace, security, and development, said a spokesman of the CA Office. The delegation included D

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

US delegation meets Chief Adviser, discusses reform, Rohingya, trade
FE Online Report
Published :
Apr 17, 2025 20:29
Updated :
Apr 17, 2025 20:29

A visiting US delegation called on Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Thursday and expressed support for the reform agenda of the Interim Government. They also discussed regional issues of peace, security, and development, said a spokesman of the CA Office.

The delegation included Deputy Assistant Secretaries of State Nicole A Chulick and Andrew Herrup.

Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser, Dr Khalilur Rahman, and the head of US mission in Dhaka, Tracey Ann Jacobson, were present at the meeting.

The US officials expressed deep appreciation for Bangladesh’s generosity in hosting 1.2 million Rohingyas and thanked the Chief Adviser for his leadership in making progress on the issue.

Dr Yunus termed the recent identification by the Myanmar government of 180,000 Rohingyas as fit for return to Rakhine as an important progress.

"We appreciate your vision of looking at the Rohingya issue not in isolation but in the context of Myanmar as a whole," said Chulick.

The US officials also appreciated the Chief Adviser’s approach to enhancing regional cooperation, connectivity, and people-to-people contacts.

The Chief Adviser underlined the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to working closely with the Trump administration on the entire range of bilateral relations. He thanked US President Donald J Trump for resuming aid for the Rohingyas and for the 90-day pause in the application of reciprocal tariffs. "We are continuing our work to support his trade agenda," he said.

Meanwhile, in his meeting with the visiting US delegation, National Security Advisor Dr Khalilur Rahman discussed major regional issues of peace and security and key aspects of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the US.

They also discussed the Rohingya crisis and the situation in Myanmar at length.

The US delegation expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s approach to addressing the issue.​