Dhaka: US Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) today called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. During the hour-long meeting, the two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to deepen relationships between the two friendly countries.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Senator Peters enquired about the reform initiatives of the interim government, the reports of key commissions, and the government’s plan to hold free and fair elections. The Chief Adviser mentioned that elections could occur in December if political parties agreed to fewer reforms. However, the general elections would be delayed by a few months if a larger reform package was desired by the parties.
Prof Yunus emphasized the significance of the July Charter, stating that once political parties agreed to the proposed reforms by major commissions, it would set the future course of the country. Peters expressed appreciation for the government’s reform agenda and noted that the US was anticipating a smooth democratic transition in Bangladesh.
Senator Peters highlighted the concerns of many Bangladeshi-origin residents in his Michigan constituency, including attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. He mentioned that misinformation about these attacks had also reached the US, causing anxiety among minority groups. In response, Prof Yunus reaffirmed his commitment to protecting human rights for all citizens and clarified that the attacks were politically motivated, not religiously, and that the government had acted promptly against the perpetrators.
Prof Yunus extended an invitation to Senator Peters and other US leaders, journalists, and activists to visit Bangladesh to witness the country’s religious harmony firsthand and help combat misinformation. The discussion also touched on topics such as social businesses, poverty eradication, and the role of microcredit as a poverty alleviation tool both in the US and globally.