US Deputy Assistant Secy of State calls for free, fair polls

Afreen Akhter, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), held a discussion with Bangladesh on topics of mutual concern, including the Rohingya situation and national elections.

During a meeting on Monday in the state guest house Padma with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, she reiterated Washington's demand for peaceful, free, and fair elections in Bangladesh.

Masud Bin Momen also told her that Bangladesh is committed to conducting free and fair elections.

"Pleasure to meet with Foreign Secretary Momen and DG Masud Alam from MoFA," Afreen Akhter said in a Facebook post after the meeting.

The US embassy in a Facebook post said they discussed the "strong multifaceted" bilateral relationship between the two countries and its many aspects.

The discussion touched on a wide range of subjects, including long-standing development relationships, the Middle East, US trade and direct investment, the recent visit of the independent and non-partisan election survey team, and supporting Rohingya refugees.

Afreen Akhter came early on Monday and is slated to visit the Rohingya camp on Tuesday.

/MHK/