It’s in US’ interest to see reforms succeed in Bangladesh: IRI regional chief
Prof Yunus said Bangladesh would like to work closely with the newly elected US President Donald Trump administration.
It is in the US’ interest to see reforms succeed in Bangladesh, said Steve Cima, regional chief of the International Republican Institute (IRI).
“The IRI’s priority is to support the Interim Government’s reform initiatives, especially now that there have been widespread calls to fix the country’s key institutions,” Cima said during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka today (20 November).
IRI, the think tank tied with the Republican Party, promotes democracy worldwide. Led by its regional chief Steve Cima, the IRI officials have been meeting with politicians, student groups, and civil society officials during their ongoing visit.
“Under the Awami League, the real concern was over the true trajectory of the country,” Cima said.
During the meeting, Professor Yunus said his government would hold elections after carrying out vital reforms.
He said the train for the election had already left the first station, and a new election commission would prepare the ground for the general election.
He said Bangladesh would like to work closely with the newly elected US President Donald Trump administration.
He said he would invite top Republican Senators and Congresspersons to visit Bangladesh to witness the unprecedented changes ushered in by the student-led mass uprising.
IRI official Geoffrey Macdonald, IRI country chief Joshua Rosemblum and Senior Secretary of the Bangladesh Government Lamiya Morshed were also present during the meeting.
