A four-member delegation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sought US lawmakers’ support for lifting sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Wednesday in Washington DC.
They said RAB is making tremendous contributions to the fight against extremism, terrorism, and cross-border crimes in Bangladesh, including drug and human trafficking, reports BSS.
The delegation also reiterated Bangladesh's request for the deportation of Rashed Chowdhury, the self-confessed killer of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, said a press release on Thursday.
The delegation, led by its chairmanm Muhammad Faruk Khan, and members Nurul Islam Nahid, Nahim Razzak and Kazi Nabil Ahmed were present. The meetings took place at the respective offices of the senator and the congressman at Capitol Hill.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the US M Shahidul Islam and embassy officials were also present in the meetings.
Meanwhile, United States Senator Ted Cruz (Republican-Texas) and Congressman Steve Chabot (Republican-Ohio) expressed their willingness to facilitate further strengthening Washington-Dhaka relations.
During the meetings, the parliamentary delegation briefed the US lawmakers on Bangladesh's impressive socio-economic development that has taken place under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The delegation further highlighted Bangladesh's sustained economic growth, efficient Covid-19 management and measures to improve democratic governance.
The Bangladeshi lawmakers acknowledged US humanitarian and political support to cope with more than one million displaced Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh.
They also requested the US lawmakers to persuade Myanmar in all possible ways to create a safe environment in Rakhine State to ensure safe and voluntary return of Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.
The US lawmakers commended Bangladesh's generosity in hosting this huge number of Rohingyas and said that they would continue their efforts to address the Rohingya issue.
The Bangladesh delegation also appreciated the US government's donation of 64 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Dhaka.
Economic cooperation
The Parliamentary delegation conveyed the request of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for enhanced US investment in diversified sectors in Bangladesh.
Referring to the attainment of 100% electricity coverage in Bangladesh, Faruk Khan appreciated the role of Texas-based US energy companies for their contribution in this regard.
Both sides underscored the importance of further expansion of trade and investment cooperation, and deepening of the multifaceted partnership in the coming days.
Senator Ted Cruz, a member of the powerful Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, stressed enhanced economic cooperation between the two countries.
In this regard, he mentioned that the US, in particular the state of Texas, was eager to engage more with Bangladesh for cooperation in the energy sector.
Congressional Bangladesh caucus
The parliamentary team sought the support of Congressman Chabot to revitalize the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus.
Congressman Steve Chabot, the ranking member of the influential US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, expressed his readiness to lead the proposed caucus as co-chair of the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus.
He said the Caucus would help in improving the existing friendly relationship between Bangladesh and the United States.
The parliamentary delegation is also scheduled to meet with Congressman Dwight Evans (Democrat-Pennsylvania) and discuss issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the United States.
