Washington. A top diplomat of US President Joe Biden’s administration said that supporting democratic, peaceful and legitimate change in Bangladesh is in everyone’s interest. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma said in response to a question at the prestigious ‘Hudson Institute’, “I think the most important thing is to try to support a democratic, peaceful, legitimate change. I think this is in everyone’s interest.” Verma said, “Hopefully security will be restored, law and order situation will be restored and at the same time people will also get basic economic services.
He said, “It is up to the people of Bangladesh to decide how and when they want to hold new elections and how long this government formed after the change of power will remain.” He said, “Our role is to support the people. Frankly, attacks against any civilian are worrisome. We have to take them seriously. So I think it is too early to say in which direction we are moving.” The US diplomat said, “The reason for our (Foreign Ministry) team going there was a resolve to support a peaceful democratic process and change of power. I think this is the most important thing right now.”
A high-level US delegation met Bangladesh’s interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on Sunday and assured him of expanding economic and political ties to build a more equitable and inclusive future for the people of the South Asian country.The meeting came at a time when the US Agency for International Development (USAID) said it will provide nearly USD 200 million in assistance to Bangladesh for development projects, empowering youth, strengthening democracy, improving health services and promoting business and economic opportunities for people in the country.
