Online Desk: Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday affirmed their shared commitment to deepening economic ties between the two countries and enhancing security throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Rubio held a 15-minute long telephone conversation with Yunus around 7:30pm, said a statement issued by the CA’s press wing. The discussion was warm, cordial, and constructive, reflecting excellent bilateral engagement between the two nations, it added. Meanwhile, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Rubio and Yunus affirmed their shared commitment to deepening economic ties between the US and Bangladesh and to enhancing security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
During the call, both leaders discussed issues of mutual interest, including Bangladesh’s trade talks with the US, ongoing reforms process, transition to democracy, upcoming general election, and aid for Rohingya refugees, according to the press wing. Rubio expressed support for Bangladesh’s reform agenda and its move to hold elections early next year.
Highlighting that the US is Bangladesh’s largest export destination and top source of remittances, both leaders expressed hope for concluding talks on tariffs soon, paving the way for increased bilateral trade.
Yunus mentioned that his national security adviser recently had an excellent meeting with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Washington and emphasised their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Yunus also thanked US President Donald Trump for responding positively to his request to suspend reciprocal tariff measures on Bangladesh for 90 days.
He told Rubio, “We are working with your officials to finalise a package of measures to effectively respond to President Trump’s trade agenda.”
Seeking US support for the country’s democratic transition, the CA reaffirmed that elections would be held “in the early part of next year” and that ongoing dialogue between his government and political parties would result in much-needed reforms.
“The Election Commission is working hard to reorganise the electoral system, which was destroyed by the previous government. Our young people will vote for the first time in their lives,” Yunus noted.
The CA commended Washington for its continued support for Rohingya refugees. The US has been the top donor to the Rohingya humanitarian responses since 2017.
“The prospect for a viable solution and repatriation of Rohingyas back to Myanmar is now better than ever before and Bangladesh is working on that,” Yunus said.
The two leaders also touched upon geopolitical issues, including the need for a stable and peaceful Indo-Pacific region and Bangladesh’s relationships with its neighbours.
Yunus invited Rubio to visit Bangladesh ahead of the national election to witness the country’s transition to democracy firsthand, stating, “It will inspire our young people.”
