Dhaka, Washington likely to arrange talks focusing on telecommunications security

Bangladesh and the USA are likely to hold a senior level conversation to discuss telecommunications security as they move towards further expanding 4G connectivity and developing 5G networks and services.

The need to arrange such talks was discussed during a virtual meeting between the two countries last week.

In that meeting, participants urged the nations to arrange talks and appreciated the technical assistance provided to Bangladesh on laws and policies related to these matters by the US Department of Commerce's Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP).

They recognised the importance of reliable and secure internet that facilitates trade and communication, according to US Department of State.

The meeting participants also focused on the importance of an innovative digital ecosystem to facilitate the cross-border flow of information and data based on secure and reliable networks.

The virtual meeting was joined by US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Keith Krach and Adviser for Private Industry and Investment to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Salman F Rahman with a view to developing a Vision for Advancing US-Bangladesh Economic Partnership.

The two high level dignitaries co-chaired the meeting held last week.

The participants noted that Bangladesh and the United States share the common vision of a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific region with shared prosperity for all, and expressed hope that the two countries would continue to work together to realise this vision.

The co-chairs recognised the need for bilateral cooperation to help overcome the global economic disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Both sides expressed their willingness to work together to advance the US-Bangladesh Economic Partnership to facilitate sustainable supply chains and generate more employment contributing to stronger ties between the two friendly countries, according to US Department of State.

The meeting participants recognised that quick economic recovery would necessitate new forms of protection for the workforces and populations, including women and children, and that these changes would require enhanced bilateral and global cooperation.

Both sides noted that the knowledge gaps related to Covid-19 may be minimised by sharing strategies using the Joint Public Health Experts Response Group.