Diplomatic Correspondent :
Recognising the RAB’s role in combating terrorism, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the lifting of sanctions on the elite force might take time.
Even the resumption of the US training programme for Bangladeshi law enforcers will also take time to commence, he added.
These statements were heard when Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held bilateral meeting on Monday in Washington DC, on the very day of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between the two countries.
On the other hand, Momen informed Blinken that there is an inbuilt system of inquiry in the RAB, which tracks all allegations and held inquiry.
He also conveyed his counterpart that Bangladeshi law enforcers need training from the US on rules of engagements.
Depicting the context of the creation of RAB in 2004, he underscored that the RAB has played pivotal role in Bangladesh’s counter-terrorism efforts, which may be undermined by the sanctions.
Earlier on March 20, US Under-Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland in Dhaka said, the lifting of sanctions is a ‘difficult and complicated’ issue.
So now the Bangladesh Foreign Minister has to return home with the same reply. During the discussion, Momen urged Blinken to bring the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to the election process as Bangladesh has a ‘transparent and independent’ Election Commission.
“Bring them (BNP) to the election process to follow the rules and procedures of the country,” Momen said.
Secretary Blinken appreciated that Bangladesh is re-examining the Digital Security Act (DSA).
On the Rohingya issue, Momen appreciated that the US has finally determined that genocide took place in Myanmar in 2017.
He also opined that the US should suspend GSP and reimpose sanctions on Myanmar in order to put pressure so that Myanmar resolves the crisis.
Momen thanked the United States for providing more than 61 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine so far.
On the other hand, Blinken appreciated Bangladesh’s leadership in climate actions, generosity towards the Rohingyas, and role in the UN Peacekeeping Mission.
While Momen opined that the US need to diversify investment portfolio, and can consider investing in the infrastructure sector in Bangladesh.
He also urged for assistance from the US in developing blue economy, opining that this may enable two countries to work together in building a secure Indo-Pacific region.
Noting that Bangladesh is not getting development finance from the DFC due to the labour rights issues, he stressed upon resolving all impediments.
Blinken positively responded to the proposal of deepening maritime cooperation as two countries have shared goal of free and secure Indo-Pacific.
Momen sought for US Secretary of State’s attention and assistance for realising the deportation of Rashed Chowdhury, the convicted killer of the Father of the Nation.
Foreign Minister Momen, during the meeting, declared Bangladesh’s acceptance of US proposal to deploy Peace Corps in Bangladesh again.
He also requested Secretary Blinken’s assistance in expediting the matter of opening Dhaka-New York direct flight.
He also underscored the fact that Bangladesh is still a young democracy compared to the US, and wishes to work closely with the US in further strengthening the democratic process.
During a separate meeting with USAID Administrator Samantha Power, Bangladesh Foreign Minister thanked the USAID Administrator for agreeing to his request to assist in the project of strengthening the coastal embankments in Bangladesh.
A joint feasibility study by the USAID and the Bangladesh Government would be commenced soon.
The USAID Administrator emphasised that Bangladesh should resolve outstanding labour issues to become eligible for the development finance from the International Development Finance Corporation.
