A delegation of six members led by US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Helen LaFave met Interior Advisor Lt. Gen. Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd.) on Wednesday (August 28, 2024 AD) in his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat in the capital.
During the meeting, various issues including cooperation in Bangladesh’s security and agriculture sectors, rehabilitation of flood victims were discussed.
In the meeting, the adviser said that the United States is one of the partners in the development of Bangladesh. They are cooperating in different sectors of Bangladesh. They can also play an important role in ongoing police reforms, including training and ancillary support. At that time, the charge of the affairs said, the role of the security agencies of Bangladesh in ensuring the security of the embassy premises including the American embassy is undoubtedly commendable. However, as part of long-term public welfare, reform of intelligence agencies including the police is necessary.
When asked about Charge the Affairs Ansar, the adviser said, they were agitating for nationalization of their jobs. It is difficult to accept the demand in the existing financial capacity of Bangladesh. But the problem is solved. He said, we have taken the initiative to cancel the 6 months rest that Ansar used to take after 3 years. As a result, they will not need to go on rest and they will still be entitled to pay during that time.
The adviser sought financial assistance from the US government for the victims of the ongoing floods. He informed about the demand of seeds, fertilizers and other agricultural materials for agricultural rehabilitation. Charge the Affairs said, the United States Department of Agriculture is working with 9 government departments of Bangladesh. He said that they will give full cooperation including supply of materials in this regard.
Charge d’Affaires Helen LaFave brought up the issue of access to the radio frequency in the interests of American embassy security. The advisor said that the matter will be decided through an inter-ministerial meeting involving the Ministry of Home Affairs, BTRC and related agencies. Charge the Affairs sought the necessary support for the upcoming visit of the US delegation to Bangladesh.
USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman, Political Counselor Eric Geelan, Agriculture Attaché Sarah Gilleski, Defense Attache Lieutenant Colonel Michael DeMichiei, Law Enforcement Assistant Attache Michael Hintz and senior officials of the Ministry of Interior were present in the meeting.
