US wants to work with Bangladesh on security
Will hold dialogue here on April 19, says Sherman
The United States will hold a security dialogue with Bangladesh here on April 19 on security challenges that the two countries face here, in this region and throughout the world.
“It's a transparent dialogue. We want to work together on all of the security challenges that we face here, through this region and the world,” US Under-Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman told reporters yesterday after nearly an hour-long meeting with Foreign Minister Dipu Moni.
Sherman said the US assistant secretary for political and military affairs will be here on April 19 for a security dialogue as they want strong security discussions with Bangladesh.
Asked if US wants to deploy more US military in Bangladesh for regional security, the US under-secretary said they have “no plan now to do so.”
She said US has been assisting Bangladesh in whatever way they can in the disaster preparedness and they would continue to do so.
Sherman, the third-ranking official of the US State Department, said Bangladesh has to be congratulated for its zero tolerance to terrorism and its work against violent extremism. It is a very tough job and Bangladesh will have to work hard to be successful in this arena.
Replying to a question about the standoff between the two major parties here on the modality of holding the next general elections, she said the political leadership will have to find a room, sit down and talk different models and process to ensure free, fair, credible and participatory elections.
Sherman said the leaders of all parties, not only major parties, will have to come together and respond to the aspiration of the people.
Earlier, in a brief statement, Sherman said US wants to be a strong partner of democracy, sustained market economy, and wants free, fair and participatory elections in 2013-14.
She said the United States will provide one billion US dollars over the next five years for assisting Bangladesh in health, food security, disaster management and climate change. Like every other country, Bangladesh has also many challenges to confront in the future, she added.
Sherman, who came here on Thursday on a two-day visit, went a Grameen village in Manikganj to see how people, largely women, are trying to lift them out of poverty. She said Bangladesh is a model for others to fight against poverty.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan Mozena was, among others, present on the occasion.
Terming her visit to Bangladesh spectacular, Sherman said that during her brief visit, she held discussions with ministers and members of the civil society and had excellent talks with the prime minister, the foreign minister and the leader of the opposition.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments