Dhaka:Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikrom, has requested assistance from the United States government to recover money allegedly laundered from Bangladesh during a 17-year period of authoritarian rule.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the request was made during a courtesy call by a delegation led by Winrock International President and CEO Maksoda Maqsodi at the Speaker's office in the JS Bhaban.
The Speaker acknowledged Winrock International's longstanding partnership with Bangladesh, highlighting its positive contributions to addressing national priorities such as climate change and social protection. He noted that despite Bangladesh's minimal contribution to global carbon emissions, the country remains highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including rising sea levels threatening coastal and riverbank communities.
Hafiz Uddin emphasized the role of non-governmental organizations, alongside the government, in enhancing the living standards of the population. During the meeting, discussions also covered the diversification of Bangladesh's readymade garment industry, the promotion of environmentally friendly technologies in agriculture, and the protection of human rights for Bangladeshi migrant workers returning from abroad.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Winrock International, the Secretary of the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat, and other senior officials.