Dhaka: Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today sought support from visiting US Senator Gary C. Peters to aid Bangladesh in its fight against misinformation and disinformation. The request was made during a courtesy meeting at the State Guest House ‘Padma’ in the capital, as reported by a foreign ministry press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the meeting, the foreign adviser highlighted that certain domestic and international factions are spreading false information about Bangladesh. He urged Senator Peters to convey the true situation of Bangladesh to assist the interim government in combating these challenges. The senator acknowledged this concern, as stated in the release.
The discussions also covered critical areas of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, development cooperation, people-to-people connections, cybersecurity, and climate resilience. Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain informed the senator about the reform initiatives underway by the Government led by Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus and preparations for a free, fair, and participatory election. Senator Peters commended these efforts and reiterated the continuing support of the United States in Bangladesh’s democratic transition.
Both sides exchanged views on their robust collaboration, stressing the importance of enhancing trade relations, technological exchanges, and security cooperation between the two nations. The foreign adviser also highlighted the significant challenges Bangladesh faces in hosting the forcibly displaced Rohingya population and underscored the urgent need for their sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.
Touhid Hossain sought the USA’s cooperation in partnering with Bangladesh at an international conference on the Rohingya crisis, scheduled to be held in New York later this year. Senator Peters praised Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts and assured US support for the repatriation of the Rohingyas. He also acknowledged the notable contributions of the Bangladeshi community in Michigan and across the USA, emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation to address shared challenges, including climate change.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen the Bangladesh-U.S. partnership and explore new avenues of cooperation. US Charge d’affaires to Bangladesh, Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, was also present at the meeting.