Bangladesh
Bangladesh-USA Bangladesh seeking US assistance in increasing RAB's efficiency
Dhaka, February 16: US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet applauded the positive changes in the operations of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and stressed the importance of sustainable reforms. On the other hand, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Dr. AK Abdul Momen, sought the involvement and assistance of the United States in increasing RAB's efficiency.
This information was informed in a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday (February 15). In the discussion of RAB in the meeting of the foreign minister with Chollet, it is said that RAB is a very reliable and effective law enforcement agency and the foreign minister told the US delegation that this organization has already been able to gain the trust and confidence of the people.
A seven-member delegation led by Chollet paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the two-day visit. Meeting with Foreign Minister Momen and Foreign Secretary Masood Bin Momen.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, various bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest were discussed in the meeting. In particular, the Rohingya situation and the Ukraine crisis dominate. Chollet praised Bangladesh for providing shelter to more than 1 million Rohingya and assured the continuation of US humanitarian assistance.
The United States pledges support and possible assistance in the ongoing judicial process of crimes against humanity committed against the Rohingya in various international courts. Bangladesh thanked the United States for its continued humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya and requested it to expand its ongoing humanitarian assistance operations in Bhasanchar. Bangladesh seeks the strong support and assistance of the United States for the speedy resolution of the Rohingya issue and their repatriation.
In the talks, Bangladesh reiterated its strong stand for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine crisis and an immediate end to the war. Bangladesh has called on the United States to take effective measures to resolve the economic crisis caused by the global food and grocery crisis and the increase in the cost of living due to the reciprocal trade blockade.
Chollet informed that the United States has already started working to solve the food crisis. In addition, the United States has expressed the hope of getting the support of Bangladesh in the international initiative to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
