In a significant development, the interim government has sought to engage the United States in its reform agenda, introducing a new perspective to Dhaka-Washington relations.
In response, a high-level US delegation on Sunday assured the government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, of its commitment to supporting the country’s economic stability and growth.
“We think it is a foundation for a meaningful engagement with the US,” Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin told reporters at the State Guest House Padma after the delegation’s bilateral meeting.
The delegation, led by Brent Neiman, assistant secretary for international finance at the Department of the Treasury, also included Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu and USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Anjali Kaur.
This visit marks the first high-profile visit since the formation of the interim government on August 8.
They witnessed the signing of a $202.25 million grant deal for three sectors, namely good governance; social, human and economic opportunity; and resilience.
“We have consulted, listened and worked with the interim government, and now we're here, ready to deliver with this agreement,” Anjali Kaur later told reporters.
“This new agreement highlights the priorities of the interim government, focused on inclusive growth and prosperity for the people of Bangladesh. This means we're looking at economic stability and growth,” she said.
The visit has been seen as a way to take bilateral relations forward in a changed political landscape. The Awami League government, which was toppled on August 5 following a mass uprising, was at loggerheads with Washington. The US had criticized Bangladesh’s January 7 general election as neither free nor fair, due to the absence of major opposition parties.
Analysts suggest the US delegation’s visit signals a recalibration of policies or a renewed focus on certain aspects of the bilateral relationship.
Chief Adviser Dr Yunus proposed specific support “to rebuild the country, carry out vital reforms and bring back stolen assets” as he has recently set up six commissions in an effort to prevent vote rigging, reform the judiciary, police, civil administration, the country's anti-graft agency, and amend the constitution.
"It is a very important time for us and a significant moment in our history," the chief adviser said.
The US delegation also emphasized Washington’s commitment to Bangladesh’s inclusive prosperity.
“We're looking at improving health, we're looking at being able to strengthen governance across the country. We're looking at being able to empower youth and making sure that they have the opportunities to be able to grow and lead in this country,” Anjali Kaur said.
“And so essentially, the inclusive prosperity of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi people is our priority here.”
Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin expressed optimism, saying: “The discussion has just begun. It may take some time to get a final shape, but we will continue to advance these discussions at various levels. It is a solid foundation for moving forward.”