- US Charge d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
- US pledges support for Bangladesh’s political reforms, development, and counter-terrorism.
- Yunus expects political parties to reach consensus by early February for the July proclamation.
- Concerns raised over journalist arrests and violence against religious minorities.
- Discussion focused on regional cooperation, the Rohingya crisis, and economic collaboration.
On January 20, 2025, US Charge d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. During the meeting, Jacobson emphasized the U.S. commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s interim government on several key matters.
Jacobson reassured Yunus, saying, “We are prepared as a nation to support your government on a variety of issues,” highlighting U.S. support for Bangladesh’s development and counter-terrorism efforts. This meeting underscored the strengthening of ties between the two nations.
Political Reforms and the July Proclamation
The discussion centered on Bangladesh’s political situation, especially ongoing reform efforts. Chief Adviser Yunus highlighted the government’s work to build consensus around the July proclamation and its plans for the upcoming general election. He hoped political parties would reach an agreement by early February.
Yunus noted that, so far, he hadn’t heard any dissenting voices. While he acknowledged the difficulty of building consensus, he stressed that the proclamation’s theme was “unity.” He also clarified his role, saying, “My job is building a consensus. I am not pushing any idea.”
Yunus emphasized the need for discussions between political parties. Once a consensus is achieved, he said, the government would ask all political parties to sign the proposals, creating the “July Charter” to guide the future of Bangladesh’s politics.
Press Freedom and Minority Rights
During the meeting, Jacobson expressed concerns about the arrest of journalists and reports of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. She emphasized the importance of addressing these issues.
In response, Yunus reassured Jacobson that his government is dedicated to ensuring justice for everyone in the country, emphasizing their commitment to fairness.
Regional Relations and the Rohingya Crisis
The discussion also touched on Bangladesh’s relationship with its neighbors, the security situation in Myanmar, and the ongoing Rohingya crisis. Yunus emphasized the need for strong ties with neighboring countries, explaining, “That’s how the idea of SAARC came about, and we are the initiator of it.”
Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s efforts to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), aiming to turn it into a platform like the European Union. He reiterated the importance of regional cooperation for long-term peace and stability.
The Chief Adviser thanked the US for its ongoing humanitarian support to Rohingya refugees. He also requested continued support for their repatriation and advocated for the creation of a safe zone in Myanmar’s Rakhine State to protect displaced Rohingya people.
US-Bangladesh: A Stronger Partnership for Progress
Yunus also discussed economic cooperation, noting Bangladesh’s role as a leading importer of US cotton. He encouraged the US to increase imports of Bangladeshi apparel and textiles, which could further boost the demand for US cotton.
The meeting between Tracey Ann Jacobson and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus highlighted the growing bilateral ties. It focused on shared interests in political reform, human rights, regional cooperation, and economic growth.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to addressing political challenges, human rights issues, and regional stability. The US also pledged continued support for Bangladesh’s development and efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis.