Dhaka, 31 January 2019:

The US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Robert Miller today called on the Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen, MP and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam, MP. The US Ambassador congratulated the newly appointed Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and assured him full cooperation in his new assignment. Foreign Minister Dr. Momen thanked the US Ambassador and said that there is the scope to take existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and USA to a new height.

The US Ambassador was highly appreciative of the Government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for giving shelter to the persecuted Rohingyas.

Foreign Minister Dr. Momen  praised the US government for the continued political support on the Rohingya issue. He said that a credible pressure needs to be created on Myanmar so that the latter creates favourable environment in the Rakhine State in order for the Rohingyas to return home. He also raised the issue of creating “safe zone” inside Rakhine State for the Rohingyas which he supported. He said that the US government will remain beside Bangladesh in resolving the Rohingya crisis.  Regarding relocation of some Rohingyas in Bhashan Char, the Foreign Minister informed the US envoy that around one lac Rohingyas are planned to be relocated there on voluntary basis. The Rohingyas will have livelihood opportunities in Bhashan Char. “These islands will turn into Singapore”-he said.   

Dr. Momen noted that USA is presently the single largest source of overseas investment. However, the US investments are predominantly concentrated in the energy sector. They may invest in infrastructure development. “It is an exciting time to invest in Bangladesh and there are tremendous opportunities diversify US investments”-he said. The Foreign Minister also sought support from the US administration to secure tariff free access for Bangladesh’s garments products in the US market.

Dr. Momen raised the issue of repatriation of murderer Rashed Chowdhury, a convicted killer. He said, if US Court convicts someone in that case US will surely take all initiatives to enforce the judgment. Ambassador Miller agreed and stated he will inform this to his capital.

Later the US envoy separately met with the State Minister for Foreign Affairs and discussed pertinent issues in Bangladesh-US bilateral relations. The State Minister pointed out that though Bangladesh’s exports to USA under GSP were minimal, some promising business entrepreneurs suffered due to GSP suspension. Referring to the recent passage of EPZ Labour Act, the State Minister pointed out that the Government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is extremely labour friendly. State Minister Mr. Alam said that high tariffs coupled with GSP suspension puts Bangladeshi businessmen into a formidable challenge in entering the US market. The State Minister emphasized on public diplomacy for expansion of Bangladesh-USA political and business ties.