US praises govt’s polls, reform efforts

US Ambassador Brent Christensen has expressed strong support for the United States’ backing of Bangladesh’s democratic transition and praised the interim government’s efforts regarding the upcoming elections and wide-ranging reforms.

He made the remarks while calling on National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman at the latter’s office yesterday afternoon, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

During the hour-long meeting, they discussed key aspects of Bangladesh-US relations, including the reciprocal tariff agreement, support for the Rohingyas, immigration issues such as visa bonds, and the return of undocumented Bangladeshis from the US.

They also discussed American business and investment in Bangladesh, as well as regional issues of common concern.

Khalilur expressed hope that relations between the two countries would reach new heights during Christensen’s current tenure.

Political and Economic Counsellor of the US embassy in Dhaka Eric Geelan was present at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Major General E Darrin Cox, commanding general of the 18th Theater Medical Command, US Army Pacific (USARPAC), visited Bangladesh from January 18 to 22 to strengthen medical partnerships with the Bangladesh Army Medical Forces.

“This engagement supported US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) and US Army Pacific (USARPAC) goals to enhance collaboration and build partner capacity,” US embassy spokesperson Poornima Rai said in a statement yesterday.

Meetings in Dhaka and visits to Jalalabad Cantonment and the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Sylhet laid the foundation for future joint exercises and expert exchanges in key medical specialties, she said.