প্রকাশ: 07/04/2022
The United States (US) is keen to assist in modernization of
Bangladesh's armed forces while Dhaka and Washington agreed to continue
discussion over sanction on Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as two countries
concluded eight round of security dialogue.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and US Under Secretary of
State for Arms Control and International Security Ambassador Bonnie Denise
Jenkins led their respective delegations at the daylong dialogue held in
Washington DC on Wednesday, a foreign ministry press release said here today.
During the meeting at the US Department of State, the two
sides had constructive discussions on defence agreements like General Security
of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Acquisition Cross-Servicing
Agreement (ACSA) which are "foundational agreements" meant to
strengthen defence relationship between the two countries.
Bangladesh side raised deep concern regarding the sanctions
on RAB and some of its current and former officials, and urged the US side to
reconsider the decision.
Bangladesh delegation highlighted RAB's pivotal role in
Bangladesh's fight against terrorism, violent extremism and transnational
crimes and also elaborated on how the sanctions on RAB is unjustified as the
personnel do not enjoy any impunity.
The two sides discussed detailed the issue and agreed to
continue discussion in this regard.
Bangladesh foreign secretary stated that Dhaka deeply values
its partnership with the Washington while the US delegation appreciated strong
ties between the two countries which is well reflected in the regular
dialogues.
The US side praised Bangladesh's successes and leadership in
UN Peacekeeping Operations.
The US delegation observed that, after 50 years of the
independence, Bangladesh has emerged as a responsible country and taking part
in resolving global crises and problems.
Two countries agreed to continue robust cooperation in
counterterrorism and transnational crimes while the US side assured about its
continued support in building law enforcement and prosecutorial capacity as
well as in countering violent extremism in Bangladesh.
The dialogue also covered areas like cooperation in military training, maritime
security and capacity development, regional issues like Rohingya, Indo-Pacific,
and civilian security cooperation.
On Indo-Pacific Strategy, fruitful discussion took place,
and Bangladesh expressed support to inclusive socio-economic development in the
Indo-Pacific region.
Regarding Rohingya issue, the US highly praised Bangladesh's
role, and gave a big thank and committed to continuing all possible support.
Bangladesh appreciated the determination by the US of the
genocide against Rohingyas, and urged the US side to take follow up measures.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in aviation safety,
with the view to early resumption of Dhaka New York Direct flight.
Bangladesh appreciated the robust support received from the
US in terms of COVID-19 vaccines.
The next Security Dialogue would be held next year in Dhaka.
Bangladesh delegation was also comprised of Principal Staff
Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division (AFD) Lieutenant General
Waker-Uz-Zaman, Secretary of Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md
Kamrul Hasan, Secretary of Law and Justice Division, Ministry of Law, Justice
and Parliamentary Affairs Md. Golam Sarwar, among others.
The US Side was represented by, among others, Assistant
Secretary Jessica Lewis and Deputy Assistant Secretary Kelley Keiderling.
Later, the Bangladesh foreign secretary and AFD's PSO also
held a separate meeting with the US Under Secretary.
প্রধান সম্পাদকঃ সৈয়দ বোরহান কবীর
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