US backs Bangladesh reforms, Rohingya repatriation efforts

A visiting US delegation today reiterated Washington’s support for the reform agenda of Bangladesh’s Interim Government during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka.

The delegation, comprising Deputy Assistant Secretaries of State Nicole A. Chulick and Andrew Herrup, also discussed key regional issues related to peace, security, and development.

The meeting took place at the State Guest House Jamuna, with National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and US Mission Chief Tracey Ann Jacobson also in attendance, according to Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.

The US officials commended Bangladesh’s continued generosity in hosting over 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas and acknowledged Chief Adviser Yunus's leadership in making progress towards their rehabilitation.

Chulick noted the recent identification by Myanmar of 180,000 Rohingyas as eligible for repatriation to Rakhine State as a significant step forward.

“We appreciate your vision of addressing the Rohingya crisis not in isolation, but within the broader context of Myanmar’s political landscape,” she said.

The US delegation also praised the Chief Adviser’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation, connectivity, and people-to-people engagement across South Asia.

In response, Chief Adviser Yunus highlighted the strong and historic ties between Bangladesh and the United States and reaffirmed his government’s resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation with the Trump administration across all sectors.

He expressed gratitude to US President Donald J. Trump for resuming humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas and for the recent 90-day pause in reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi exports.

“We remain committed to supporting a mutually beneficial trade agenda,” Professor Yunus added.