TDS Desk:

The United States has reiterated its support for governance, expanding trade, and creating greater opportunities for the Bangladeshi people to build a “brighter and more prosperous future”.

“Assistant Secretary Lu (Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu) has been in Dhaka. He met with key advisors to the Bangladeshi interim government to discuss how the United States can support Bangladesh’s economic growth, financial stability, and governance and development needs,” spokesperson at the US Department of State Matthew Miller told reporters during a routine briefing on September 16.

Along with representatives from USAID, the US signed with the Bangladesh interim government a development agreement worth over $200 million in interim assistance which will support governance, expanding trade, and creating greater opportunities for the Bangladeshi people to build a brighter and more prosperous future, Miller said.

From 2021-2026, USAID has committed nearly $1 billion to help improve the lives of the Bangladeshi people, said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Monday.

This newest tranche of funding will assist Bangladesh as it charts a more inclusive, equitable and democratic course for its people, it said.

The officials discussed ways to support inclusive economic opportunities for the people of Bangladesh, ensure financial stability, and strengthen democratic governance.

The US interagency delegation held meetings with key advisers for the Bangladesh Interim Government, including Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, and Finance and Commerce Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Sunday.

The US delegation included Department of Treasury Assistant Secretary Brent Neiman, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Anjali Kaur, and Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch.