US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya and a delegation of senior government officials, who were in Dhaka to demonstrate continued support for US-Bangladesh ties, have left the Bangladesh capital.
The US embassy issued a statement following their departure early on Friday.
The delegation travelled to Dhaka and Cox's Bazar from July 11-14 to meet with senior government officials, civil society members, Rohingya refugees and representatives from humanitarian organizations.
While in Bangladesh, Zeya had "warm and productive" meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Law Minister Anisul Huq, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen and other senior officials from the government of Bangladesh, the embassy said.
She also met with labour activists, civil society leaders and human rights defenders.
During these meetings, Zeya emphasized the importance of working together to achieve Bangladesh's goal of free and fair elections; the crucial role of civil society, human rights defenders, journalists and labour activists; accountability for human rights abuses; and the need to continue support for Rohingya refugees.
She also visited Rohingya refugees, humanitarian partners and senior government officials in Cox's Bazar.
The under secretary announced more than $74 million in additional US humanitarian assistance to support Myanmar and Bangladesh response efforts, including nearly $61 million to support Rohingyas internally displaced in Myanmar, refugees in Bangladesh and their host communities.
This brings total US assistance to more than $2.1 billion since 2017 to help Rohingyas and host communities.
Zeya also announced a $1 million grant from the State Department to the Freedom Fund and its partners.
This program will provide reintegration services to more than 500 children who have been exploited by human traffickers.
The United States is dedicated to partnering with the government and civil society to address the scourge of human trafficking, the embassy said.
“Bangladesh is a vital partner in our goal to ensure a more free and open Indo-Pacific. Our partnership is anchored by shared democratic principles and respect for human rights,” Zeya stated.
