US should have a positive response to lifting sanctions: Secretary of State

Describing the RAB as a highly efficient, effective and corruption-free force, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said the United States should have a positive response to the lifting of sanctions on the RAB.

He told reporters before leaving for the United States on Saturday night (April 2). Secretary of State Dr. AK Abdul Momen will hold a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington DC on Monday (April 4). On the same day, Bangladesh and the United States will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Regarding the meeting, Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen said that the meeting with Anthony Blinken would demand lifting of US sanctions on RAB.

Referring to Bangladesh as a peace-loving country, the foreign minister said Bangladesh was less interested in buying defense equipment from the United States. Bangladesh wants to be involved in areas where people’s welfare is ensured.

He said arms sales are a big business in the United States. Outside of arms purchases, the two countries could work on technology transfer, medicine, the blue economy, food security, trade and climate change.

He also said that Bangladesh would invite the United States to invest in special economic zones and high-tech parks.

Responding to a question from reporters, Dr. Momen said, "The Indo-Pacific strategy of the United States is just a philosophy. There is nothing to join. Again, Bangladesh has no disagreement with this.