US would support interim govt of BD, strengthen ties: US envoy

The United States has pledged its support for Bangladesh's interim government and aims to strengthen bilateral ties, according to US Charge d'Affaires in Dhaka, Helen LaFave. During a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, LaFave conveyed Washington’s commitment to collaboration on a range of issues.

LaFave expressed the US government's eagerness to work closely with the interim administration, noting that the US Embassy in Dhaka would resume consular services this week to expedite visa processing. She highlighted the strong educational exchange between the two nations, with thousands of Bangladeshi students currently studying in the United States.

The US diplomat also emphasized cooperation in areas such as health, education, labor, governance, and the Rohingya crisis. LaFave mentioned that the US has begun resettling Rohingyas and hopes to expedite the process. She noted that the US is the largest contributor to Rohingya humanitarian efforts and has increased funding for food aid to the refugee population.

Chief Adviser Prof. Yunus thanked the US for its ongoing support, particularly in aiding over one million Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar. He stated that the interim government is focused on implementing deep reforms, with plans to hold general elections after a reasonable period. Yunus also advocated for a coordinated donor response to Bangladesh's flood challenges.

LaFave raised concerns about labor and minority issues, to which Prof. Yunus responded that the interim government is committed to protecting the human rights of all citizens, as guaranteed by the constitution. Discussions also touched on human rights, cybersecurity laws, and the role of the Rapid Action Battalion. LaFave added that the US is assisting Bangladesh in establishing a prosecutorial service to ensure fair trials.