Abdul Momen

Photo: Collected

Biden committed to strengthening ties with Bangladesh: Momen

He said, "US President Joe Biden is committed to strengthening relations with Bangladesh. They (US) don't want to lose Bangladesh."

Dr. Momen said that Awami League is not worried about the US visa policy, "Awami League is not worried at all about the new visa policy. Only those who are interested in the US are worried about this visa policy."

The minister said these things in response to questions from journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday afternoon.

He said, "Bangladesh welcomes the upcoming visit of high-level US representatives. Because Dhaka wants to be more involved with Washington on various issues. We welcome continued engagement with the United States. We have nothing to hide. I believe we will have a very good time with the United States."

Dr. Momen said the Bangladesh government is committed to a free, fair and violence-free election. For this reason, Dhaka will welcome any suggestions regarding the selection of the US delegation. We would love it if they had any bright ideas about elections. Bangladesh needs more engagement with the US to remove any misunderstandings between Dhaka and Washington.

He said that out of ignorance and based on some wrong information provided by a vested interest, the US has imposed sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Dhaka has requested Washington to lift the ban on RAB. In response, the US asked to follow a process in this regard. We are following the process.

The Foreign Minister also said that there is a perception that Bangladesh's foreign policy may lean towards China. But Dhaka has maintained a neutral foreign policy by following the policy of 'friendship with all, enmity with none' set by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

It is known that US Undersecretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Jaya is scheduled to visit Dhaka in the second week of this month. US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu will accompany Uzra Jaya on the four-day visit. On the other hand, US Undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment Jose Fernandez will come to Dhaka in the third week.