The United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, at his office in the JS Bhaban in Dhaka on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad highlighted the long-standing history of Bangladesh-US relations, noting that bilateral ties had progressed significantly since Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971. He also referred to the contribution of former US diplomat Archer K Blood in supporting Bangladesh during its independence movement, saying the relationship between the two countries has reached an important stage of friendly cooperation.
The Speaker stated that the latest parliamentary election in Bangladesh had been conducted in a free and fair manner. He also remarked that the people of Bangladesh have consistently struggled against authoritarian rule, adding that true national prosperity can only be achieved through the strengthening of democratic institutions.
Both sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including duty-free access for Bangladeshi products in the US market, increased foreign direct investment, and the expansion of people-to-people engagement between the two countries. They also exchanged views on parliamentary initiatives such as observing Democracy Day through caucus forums.
Other topics included US assistance in recovering illicitly transferred funds from Bangladesh, and cooperation in addressing the ongoing energy challenges through expanded oil and gas exploration.
The Speaker also briefed the US envoy on the Rohingya refugee crisis, seeking a more active role from the United States in helping resolve the issue.
Ambassador Brent T Christensen congratulated the Speaker on assuming his new responsibility. Officials from the US Embassy and the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were also present during the meeting.
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