US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya has reaffirmed her country's commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.
She met Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday at a luncheon meeting at the state guesthouse Padma where she reaffirmed Washington's commitment to forging stronger relations.
Zeya is leading a six-member US delegation, which is visiting Bangladesh from July 11-14.
They discussed the protracted Rohingya crisis, including the ultimate goal of repatriation, challenges to humanitarian responses and accountability measures.
Zeya appreciated Bangladesh for generously hosting over a million Rohingyas and acknowledged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership in this regard.
They further discussed issues related to labour reforms, civil rights, the upcoming national election and trafficking in persons.
Highlighting achievements in labour reforms, the foreign secretary hoped that this would further boost bilateral trade and US investment in Bangladesh.
He reiterated Bangladesh's request to repatriate Rashed Chowdhury, a self-confessed and convicted killer of Bangabandhu.
The foreign secretary also restated Bangladesh's request to review sanctions on RAB.
Zeya appreciated the prime minister's unequivocal commitment to holding a free, fair and violence-free national election.
The under secretary was accompanied by Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Bureau Donald Lu, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator Anjali Kaur, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, National Security Council Director for South Asia Regional Affairs Brian Luti and other US officials.
Zeya called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier in the morning. She later met Law Minister Anisul Huq and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan in their offices.
The US delegation also visited Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar on Wednesday.
