Dhaka reaffirms to US its pledge to hold free and fair election

September 5, 2023 1:19 pm

Dhaka: Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Tuesday said the United States does not want dominance by any particular country in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Both countries share a vision to ensure the Indo-Pacific region is free, open, peaceful, and secure,” said the minister while talking to reporters after his meeting with visiting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional Security in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Mira Resnick at the Foreign Service Academy.

“They [US] have taken note of our Indo-Pacific outlook and there are many similarities. For free navigation in the Indo-Pacific region, the economic potential should be fully utilised,” he added.

The foreign secretary said Bangladesh will raise the Teesta water sharing issue on (Friday) 8 September during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s bilateral meeting with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

“We have many bilateral issues. Important ones will be discussed, including the Teesta water sharing issue,” he said.

Besides, energy and food security, as well as the progress of current projects between both countries will be discussed, he added.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s participation at the G20 Summit in New Delhi on 9-10 September will add yet another feather to the ‘Golden Chapter’ in Dhaka-Delhi ties.

Masud Bin Momen also reiterated to the US side that Bangladesh’s commitment to the people is to hold a free and fair election, reports the UNB.

The minister said the Election Commission is taking preparations, but it can’t be said which political party is thinking about the upcoming election.

He said they discussed all security related issues including energy security and cyber security and said the multifaceted relations between the two countries demand frequent engagement.

Talking about the human rights issues, Masud Momen said Bangladesh takes all allegations seriously and follows due process.

Earlier, Bangladesh and the United States held the ninth annual bilateral security dialogue in Dhaka as part of “comprehensive security relationship” between the two governments.

Khandker Masudul Alam, Director General (North America) led the Bangladesh delegation while the US Side was led by Mira Resnick.

The security dialogue is an annual, civilian-led discussion on all elements of the security relationship between the two countries.

Representatives from both sides discussed Indo-Pacific regional issues, security and human rights, military cooperation, peacekeeping, security assistance, and counterterrorism, among other topics.

The United States and Bangladesh have a strong security partnership and share many interests in the Indo-Pacific region, said the US side.

This year, the security dialogue closely followed the bilateral defence dialogue, which took place 23-24 August in Dhaka.

The bilateral defence dialogue featured senior officers and civilians from the US and Bangladeshi militaries.

They discussed a range of issues specific to the military-to-military relationship, including military education, peacekeeping and upcoming military exercises, including next year’s Disaster Response Exercise & Exchange.

The security dialogue covered a wide range of issues related to partnership between the two countries including strategic priorities and regional security issues, defence cooperation, civilian security cooperation, UN peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and countering violent extremism.