Bangladesh
Bangladesh-US Relations US expects long-term security and trade relations with Dhaka
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, February 9: Besides trade relations with Bangladesh, the United States also expects a greater security.
After Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, Dhaka marks the 50th anniversary of relationship with Washington. In this context, US diplomatic sources have hinted at the nature of the relationship for the next 50 years. Although in some cases new progress has been made.
During an informal exchange of views with a foreign correspondent this week, officials at the US embassy in Dhaka said Washington essentially wanted a "strong" and "broader" relationship with Bangladesh. They seem to be of the opinion that the present times have created opportunities for strengthening security and trade relations, while the two countries are also celebrating the golden jubilee of their relations this year.
"This year has been a real opportunity for us to build those strong ties in business, trade and security cooperation," said a US embassy official.
He said the government wants to continue the kind of security cooperation that it had with Bangladesh in the past years. However, it is in line with the newly enacted US policy, 'Leahy Law'.
The official said the policy was based on global requirements for each country's access to US security assistance, and that they had forced the US administration to rigorously scrutinize the security agencies' attitudes toward human rights partners.
They said under the latest version of the Leahy Law, US authorities will examine credible information and track records of recipients' security units, especially cases of gross human rights violations.
