The visiting US delegation held a meeting with the representatives of civil society at the residence of US Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission Helen LaFave at Gulshan in Dhaka on Sunday (February 25).
During the meeting, the US delegation spoke of human rights and democracy with the civil society representatives.
The meeting was attended by economist Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, journalist Zillur Rahman, Odhikar secretary Adilur Rahman Khan, Dhaka University’s International Relations Department’s teacher Dr Amena Mohsin, and human rights activist Shirin Huq, among others.
On behalf of the United States, the meeting was led by Eileen Laubacher, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, U.S. National Security Council (NSC); and attended by Michael Schiffer, USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia; and Afreen Akhter, U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia (SCA).
They discussed ways to strengthen diplomatic ties, address challenges, and promote a shared vision for the advancement of mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Their visit will also include meetings with youth activists, labor organizers, and those engaged in media.
The United States has said in its website that it remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights, addressing climate change, advancing regional resilience to transnational threats, and promoting economic reforms.
On Saturday, the US delegation met top BNP leaders and spoke about political situation in the country. They also talked about political repression including the jailing of thousands of opposition leaders.
The delegation also held a meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at the State Guest House Padma.
