The 3rd “Security Dialogue” between Bangladesh and United States was held on Tuesday laying emphasis on strategic security, partnership particularly to protect the vast maritime economic zone in the Bay of Bengal free for navigation.
Apart from it, the issue of Bangladesh’s bilateral relationship with the neighbouring countries, including India, Myanmar and Afghanistan along with security matter in Indian Ocean came up in the dialogue in line with strategic security set-up in the entire South Asia region.
“Although there is no piracy in our 200-km economic zone in the Bay, the Coast Guard and Navy are not strong enough in respect to our vast maritime boundary. So, the issue maritime security got importance during the dialogue,” said Mostfa Kamal, secretary [bilateral] of Foreign Ministry at a press conference after holding the dialogue at Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies [BIISS].
“Our motivation is to maintain free navigation in the Bay of Bengal. Actually, it is the fundamental stance of the United States to keep free the Bay from piracy, smuggling, trafficking and others. The US thinks it is very much important to uphold maritime security in this part of the globe,” said Tom Kelly, Principal Deputy Office Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the same media briefing.
Ensuring uninterrupted support and cooperation to counter terrorism, Tom Kelly
further said, “The US also continue assistance to Bangladesh in the field of military affairs, humanitarian problem and disaster management. Especially, the US Asia-Pacific Command is always cooperating Bangladesh in disaster management issue.”
A 35-member team comprising the officials of different ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Defence, Home affairs, Disaster Management, Prime Minister’s Office and Armed Forces Division, also attended the dialogue led by Mostfa Kamal, secretary [bilateral] of Foreign Ministry.
On the other hand, the 26-member U.S. team comprising officials of different ministries and departments, was led by Tom Kelly, Principal Deputy Office Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. US ambassador in Dhaka Dan W.Mozena was also was present.
Officials have said the dialogue reflected growing defense relationship between Bangladesh and USA with shared commitment to peace and prosperity in the region.
In yesterday’s meeting, the Bangladesh officials have pursued discussion on certain priority issues, including counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, security cooperation, joint military exercises and human trafficking.
The first-ever Bangladesh-US security dialogue was held in Dhaka April 17, 2012, while the second one took place in Washington in the second week of April in 2013.
Earlier Bangladesh and United States signed an agreement on Counter Terrorism Cooperation Initiative which was approved by in a Cabinet meeting. Besides, a memorandum of cooperation between Bangladesh Home Ministry and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for mutual cooperation was also signed in last October.
The counter terrorism cooperation has enabled Bangladesh to receive high profile skills on use of technology, enhanced communication between law enforcing agencies, establishment of forensic tools in investigation, detection of money laundering and control of cyber crime.
