CA seeks continued US support for key projects, reforms

As US Charge d’affaires to Bangladesh Tracey Jacobson met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the city today, he asked for ongoing US support for important initiatives and reforms.

The debate at the State Guest House Jamuna here focused on themes of mutual interest and the consequences of the United States’ decision to halt USAID’s global operations.

They also talked on the Rohingya catastrophe, migration, the nation’s law and order situation, and the interim government’s reform plan.

Professor Yunus emphasized his recent efforts to establish a consensus committee and, under its direction, to start a discussion with the nation’s political parties.

“Once we have reached consensus over the reforms, the political parties will sign a July Charter to implement them,” he said.

Charge d’affaires Jacobson stressed that elections for a new government should be free, fair and inclusive. She also enquired about ‘Operation Devil’s Hunt’, recently launched by the country’s security forces.

The Chief Adviser said he has called for reconciliation in Bangladeshi society, urging people to break the cycle of retribution and to create the grounds for peace and harmony in the country.

“We are all children of this country. There should be no place for retribution,” he said, adding that he has instructed law enforcement agencies to uphold human rights at any cost during their operations.

The Chief Adviser thanked the US administration for continuing humanitarian aid to the one million Rohingya refugees now living in Bangladesh. 

“The US assistance is the most crucial aid to the Rohingya refugees,” he said.

Prof. Yunus also expressed concern about the US decision to stop funding other important projects in Bangladesh, such as the life-saving work being done by the ICDDR’B, one of the most famous health research institutes in the world.

He emphasized the part the ICDDR’B played in bringing cholera and diarrheal fatalities in Bangladesh and the Caribbean nations like Haiti down to nearly zero.

According to the Chief Adviser, Bangladesh requires US assistance during this critical time of reconstruction, reform, and rebuilding, regardless of what happens with USAID.

“This isn’t the time to stop it,” he declared.