US engages directly with Bangladeshi officials to discuss 'shared priorities'

The US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya emphasised the importance of working together to achieve Bangladesh’s goal of free and fair elections during her visit, said the US State Department, adding that it engages directly with officials to discuss "shared priorities" for the two countries.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said, "Under Secretary Zeya and other officials visited Bangladesh and met with the prime minister and other officials last week. She also met with labour activists, civil society leaders, and human rights defenders.

"During these meetings, the undersecretary emphasized the importance of working together to achieve Bangladesh’s goal of free and fair elections; the crucial role of civil society, human rights defenders, journalists, and labour activists; accountability for human rights abuses; and the need to continue to support Rohingya refugees."

Replying to a journalist's question about assessing the two country’s bilateral relationship, he said, "These are important issues in our bilateral relationship. So, to your question about the relationship, it is why we engage so directly with Bangladeshi officials. Why we talk about this from this podium is because we believe these should be shared priorities for our two countries."

Miller also mentioned that the undersecretary visited Rohingya refugees as well as humanitarian partners and Bangladesh senior government officials in Cox’s Bazar and announced $74 million in additional humanitarian assistance to support Burma and Bangladesh's response efforts.

"I will just say finally that the United States is dedicated to partnering with the government and civil society to address the scourge of human trafficking in the region," Miller continued.

/KN/MHK/