[🇧🇩] US/EU support for Yunus-led govt

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US to back Bangladesh's democratic transition

Says Chargé d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson

www.thedailystar.net

US to back Bangladesh's democratic transition
Says Chargé d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson

Photo: Courtesy/MoFA

The US has reaffirmed continued support to Bangladesh's ongoing democratic transition.

The newly-appointed Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the US Embassy in Dhaka Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson conveyed this when she called on Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry yesterday.

Jacobson appreciated the interim government for its continued efforts to consensus-building among the political parties.

She said she is highly optimistic about achieving macroeconomic stability and sound economic footing of Bangladesh for the current economic and financial reforms.

During this first courtesy call on, they affirmed commitment to deepening the Bangladesh-US relationship in the areas of mutual interest including trade, investment, human rights, labour reforms, and repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (Rohingya).

Apprising the CDA of the progress of ongoing reform activities, the foreign adviser reiterated the commitment of the interim government to conduct a free, fair, and credible election as expressed by the chief adviser.

He thanked the US government for appreciating and supporting the reform actions undertaken by the interim government.

The foreign adviser assured her of providing full support during her tenure in Bangladesh and expressed desire that the bilateral relations will reach a newer height during her tenure.​

 

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Yunus flies to Switzerland to attend WEF

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus left Dhaka for Davos, Switzerland early today on a four-day official visit to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

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Yunus flies to Switzerland to attend WEF

File photo: STAR

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus left Dhaka for Davos, Switzerland early today on a four-day official visit to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

An Emirates flight carrying Yunus and his entourage left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1:00am, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told BSS.

During his visit, the chief adviser is expected to hold bilateral talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Finland President Alexander Stubb, King Philippe of Belgium, and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, among others.

A separate dialogue on Bangladesh will also be held at the WEF where global business leaders and CEOs of various international organisations will join, reports UNB.

Besides, top officials of the European Central Bank, Meta and Amnesty International are also expected to meet the chief adviser.

Bangladesh will highlight its efforts for an improved business and investment climate during the annual meeting of the WEF in Switzerland to attract the global business leaders and investors giving them a confidence to explore the opportunities that Bangladesh offers.

Yunus, who will lead the Bangladesh delegation, will focus on business and investment opportunities during his series of engagements there.

Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi and Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed are accompanying Yunus.

The chief adviser is set to return home on January 25.​

 

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‘Count on us for whatever support you want’

Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank Anna Bjerde yesterday reiterated the global lender's support to the interim government for rebuilding Bangladesh

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‘Count on us for whatever support you want’
World Bank MD tells Yunus at Davos

Photo: Collected

Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank Anna Bjerde yesterday reiterated the global lender's support to the interim government for rebuilding Bangladesh.

"I want to express our support… count on us for whatever support you want," she told Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus during a meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in the Swiss city.

The World Bank Managing Director for operations said the bank would like to extend its support to Bangladesh in the second half of the year, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.

During the talks, they spoke briefly on the July uprising, reform initiatives of the interim government and the state of Bangladesh economy.

Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator of the Bangladesh government, and Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam, Bangladesh's permanent representative to Geneva, also attended the meeting.​

 

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US reaffirms its support for Bangladesh’s reform efforts

The United States has reiterated its strong support for the ongoing reform initiatives led by the interim government of Bangladesh under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus during the celebration of U.S. Independence Day in Dhaka this evening. Speaking at the event, U.S. Char

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

US reaffirms its support for Bangladesh’s reform efforts

Published :
Jul 02, 2025 20:37
Updated :
Jul 02, 2025 20:37

The United States has reiterated its strong support for the ongoing reform initiatives led by the interim government of Bangladesh under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus during the celebration of U.S. Independence Day in Dhaka this evening.

Speaking at the event, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those involved in the student-led popular uprising of July-August last year, calling it a “foundation for the historic work we are witnessing now to rebuild the state and to restore democracy,” reports BSS.

“The United States honors the sacrifices of those who gave their lives last year, and we fully support the work planned by His Excellency, the Chief Adviser, to build consensus around reform and to pave the way for free and fair elections early next year,” said Jacobson.

She noted that this commitment was reaffirmed in a recent telephone conversation between U.S. Secretary of State and the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh.

Finance, and Science and Technology Adviser to the interim government Dr Salehuddin Ahmed attended the ceremony as the guest of honour.

The event also saw the presence of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, other advisers, diplomats, senior officials, and distinguished guests.

Jacobson highlighted more than five decades of Bangladesh-U.S. partnership, praising the deep people-to-people ties and the growing commercial, military, and development cooperation between the two nations.

“Our partnership is strong, built on shared values and mutual interests,” she said.

She detailed the breadth of U.S. assistance to Bangladesh, emphasizing that since 2017, the U.S. has been the largest donor to the Rohingya refugee response, contributing over $2.5 billion, including $160 million this year alone.

As USAID prepares to transition its remaining assistance programs to the U.S. Department of State, Jacobson acknowledged the agency’s long-standing contributions.

“USAID’s investments, totalling over $8 billion, have played a vital role in helping Bangladesh prepare for graduation from Least Developed Country status,” she added.

On economic cooperation, the Chargé d’Affaires noted that American companies remain significant contributors to Bangladesh’s economy and infrastructure.

Chevron, the country’s largest foreign investor, along with Excelerate Energy, provides more than 70% of Bangladesh’s electricity.

Other American firms such as Oracle, Microsoft, Meta, and Google are playing a crucial role in driving Bangladesh’s digital transformation.

She confirmed that both governments are actively working to address bilateral trade issues, including discussions on tariff reductions, trade barriers, and labor standards in line with international norms.

The U.S. envoy also underscored the importance of military cooperation, noting joint exercises such as Tiger Lightning and Pacific Angel, and the annual training of around 120 Bangladeshi military officers at the prestigious U.S. military institutions including West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy.

The event, themed around a traditional American “State Fair”, celebrated cultural connections and agricultural heritage, with American cotton and Bangladeshi garment excellence symbolically represented through denim outfits worn by attendees.​