US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman has reaffirmed the importance of upholding human rights and holding "free, fair, and peaceful" parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, reports UNB.
Sherman came up with the observation in a meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Friday.
They also discussed issues of mutual interest in the US, said a statement from the US State Department.
"I met with Bangladeshi State Minister Md Shahriar Alam and discussed the wide-ranging US-Bangladesh partnership. We also talked about human rights, the importance of free and fair elections, and Russia’s illegal attempt to seize land from Ukraine," Sherman tweeted on Saturday.
She expressed condolences for the three Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers, who were killed on October 4 in the Central African Republic, said US Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price.
Sherman, meanwhile, lauded the contribution of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in global peacekeeping.
Sherman and Alam discussed the US-Bangladesh partnership as the two countries commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Referring to the US sanctions imposed on the RAB and its senior officials, the State Minister urged the US government to withdraw the sanctions as soon as possible.
Sherman reiterated continued collaboration with Bangladesh in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism, it said.
Noting the progress made in the labour sector in Bangladesh, Deputy Secretary Sherman stressed strengthening cooperation between the two countries to increase bilateral trade.
The State Minister urged the US government to expedite the deportation of Bangabandhu's killer Rashed Chowdhury to Bangladesh mentioning that the issue was of utmost importance to the people of Bangladesh and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself.
Shahrier Alam also emphasised the conclusion of an extradition treaty between Bangladesh and the USA as early as possible.
He also expressed his sincere appreciation for the US humanitarian support to the Rohingyas in Bangladesh and the US efforts to ensure the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
The State Minister expressed his government's willingness to work more closely with the US on climate change and migration.
The Deputy Secretary appreciated Bangladesh's leadership role in climate change and encouraged Bangladesh to join the Global Methane Pledge before COP27.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
