US, Bangladesh Officials Discuss Regional Security, Politics

Bangladesh's new Ambassador to the US Tareq M Ariful Islam was present at the separate meetings.

During his meeting with Allison Hooker, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, she reiterated strong US support for the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and the steps by the interim government in regard to the upcoming elections in February.

Ambassador Hooker expressed support to Bangladesh's efforts to resolve the Rohingya issue, said a media release shared by the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

Dr Khalilur Rahman thanked the US for announcing $60 million in aid to the Rohingya at the UN International Conference on the Rohingya.

Dr Khalilur Rahman discussed a broad range of bilateral matters during his separate meetings with Nicole Chulick, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Andrew Herrup, Deputy Assistant Secretary.

Dr Khalilur Rahman also met with Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch and discussed follow-up actions regarding recently concluded tariff negotiations.

He reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to reduce the trade gap with the US and requested Lynch to consider further reduction in tariffs as the trade gap becomes narrower.

Lynch assured full consideration of the matter as the tariff agreement gets implemented and trade gaps get reduced, reports UNB.