Key highlights:
- The US Deputy Assistant Secretary for South Central Asia Afreen Akhter will visit Bangladesh to further advance the bilateral relations between the two countries.
- This visit also builds upon President Joe Biden’s letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on February 6, 2024.
- The US ranks among Bangladesh’s foremost trading and development allies, with a trade volume of $9.6 billion and assistance totaling $269 million in 2023.
- The US has extended substantial support for hosting and aiding over one million Rohingya refugees since 2017, amounting to more than $1.2 billion in humanitarian aid.
The US Deputy Assistant Secretary for South Central Asia Afreen Akhter will visit Bangladesh to further advance the bilateral relations between the two countries. According to diplomatic sources, Afreen Akhter is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on a three-day visit at the end of February 2024.
She will hold meetings with senior government officials, civil society members, and media representatives. Moreover, she’ll be heading to Cox’s Bazar to visit the Rohingya camps, where she’ll meet with both humanitarian workers and refugees.
This will be the first visit of any senior US official since the 12th parliamentary election in Bangladesh. The visit comes at a time when the US has expressed its support for Bangladesh’s economic goals and its shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Afreen Akhter is the Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) for Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and the Maldives, as well as the Office of Security and Transnational Affairs. She was appointed to the post in April 2023 and is responsible for overseeing the US policy and programs in the region, including security cooperation, economic development, human rights, democracy, and governance.
Her visit is anticipated to bring positive outcomes for the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the US, showcasing the US acknowledgment of Bangladesh’s accomplishments and aspirations. This visit also builds upon President Joe Biden’s letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on February 6, 2024.
The Pre-Election Unease Dissipates
During the January 7 general election in Bangladesh, the Biden administration consistently emphasized the importance of a free and fair election with the participation of all major parties. However, post-election dynamics have changed.
President Joe Biden’s letter to Awami League President Sheikh Hasina acknowledged her government’s absolute majority in the 12th national election. The contents of his letter hint at a positive turn in bilateral relations. His letter expressed the earnest intent of the US administration to sustain collaboration on regional and global security, economic development, climate change, energy, global health, and humanitarian assistance, notably for Rohingya refugees.
A Promising New Chapter
With a partnership extending over five decades, Bangladesh and the US enjoy a robust and diverse relationship. The US ranks among Bangladesh’s foremost trading and development allies, with a trade volume of $9.6 billion and assistance totaling $269 million in 2023. Notably, the US has extended substantial support for hosting and aiding over one million Rohingya refugees since 2017, amounting to more than $1.2 billion in humanitarian aid.
The US Vision for Bangladesh
The issue of regional and global security takes center stage in Biden’s correspondence with Sheikh Hasina. This emphasis is significant, given the geopolitical complexities in South Asia. The US seeks stability and cooperation in the region, especially in light of great power rivalries. Bangladesh’s strategic location makes it a crucial partner in maintaining security and countering common threats.
Amidst ongoing humanitarian challenges, the Rohingya refugee crisis persists as a pressing issue. The United States urges Bangladesh to sustain its efforts in providing refuge and aid to the displaced Rohingya community. Through collaborative endeavors, there’s an opportunity to alleviate their plight and work towards a lasting resolution.
Furthermore, the Indo-Pacific region is a focal point for both nations. Biden’s correspondence emphasizes joint endeavors in promoting economic prosperity, combating climate change, and advancing energy initiatives.
With a vision to achieve developed status by 2041, Bangladesh is actively pursuing ambitious economic reforms, focusing on bolstering infrastructure and enhancing education. The government acknowledges the pivotal role of foreign assistance in driving these initiatives forward.
As Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter prepares for her visit to Bangladesh, the stage is set for a promising new chapter in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Bangladesh. With President Joe Biden’s recent letter signaling a shift towards collaboration and shared goals, the visit holds immense potential for advancing mutual interests.
