The 9th Bangladesh-US Security dialogue concluded successfully in Dhaka on Tuesday with agreements of strengthening cooperation in both civil and military security domains.
Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, the dialogue covered various traditional and non-traditional security issues of mutual interest including Indo-Pacific outlook of Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the USA, upcoming national elections, security assistance, defence trade and cooperation, countering terrorism and violent extremism, transnational crimes and broader regional security issues.
They said during the dialogue, both the sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in both civil and military security domains. They also discussed non-traditional security issues including climate change, energy security and transnational crimes. Bangladesh reiterated its stated position of “zero-tolerance” against any form of terrorism and emphasised on continued cooperation to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
The meeting noted security cooperation as a key component in bilateral relations. The US side reiterated its support to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies of Bangladesh in enhancing their capacity through various forms of trainings, sharing of information and joint exercises. The US side responded affirmatively to Bangladesh’s call for working together in the maritime security matters.
Bangladesh reiterated that repatriation of Rohingyas is the ultimate solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis and sought greater international support to resolve the issue. US side lauded Bangladesh for hosting more than a million Rohingyas and gave assurance to remain beside Bangladesh in extending humanitarian assistance.
Khandker Masudul Alam, Director General, North America Wing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mira Resnick, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional Security in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs of the US State Department led their respective delegation. Representatives of key government ministries and agencies of Bangladesh as well as the US government and the US embassy participated in the dialogue.
Later on Ms Resnic made a courtesy call on Foreign Secretary Ambassador Masud Bin Momen.
