A high-level US delegation, led by Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Brent Neiman, met with Nobel laureate and head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, reportedly reiterating the US commitment to “fostering inclusive economic growth,” The Associated Press reports.
The visit comes amidst political upheaval in Bangladesh, following the flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last month amid a popular uprising fueled by accusations of corruption, human rights abuses, and excessive use of force.
During the meeting, Yunus outlined his interim administration’s plans to “reset, reform, and restart” the economy, including reforms in the financial sector and fixing institutions such as the judiciary and police. He also appealed for US support in rebuilding the country and recovering stolen assets.
The US delegation, which included representatives from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Office of the US Trade Representative, pledged their support for Bangladesh’s economic recovery. The delegation also met with other high-ranking officials, including the country’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain.
The USAID announced a $202.25 million aid package to support Bangladesh.
However, concerns regarding safety and order in Bangladesh were raised by representatives from the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham). The AmCham president, Syed Ershad Ahmed, cited bottlenecks such as profit repatriation issues due to the U.S. dollar crisis and supply chain challenges caused by port congestion.
The delegation’s visit coincides with unrest in the country’s crucial garment industry. Workers are demanding better benefits and higher wages, leading to widespread factory shutdowns. The government is currently mediating between factory owners and workers to ease tensions.
The U Embassy in Dhaka emphasized the US commitment to helping Bangladesh mitigate climate risks, noting the country’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters.
