File photo

DHAKA, Jan 9, 2023 (BSS)-Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today said Bangladesh wants to build “much better relationship” with the United States (US) with “constructive” and “positive” manners. 

“We are very happy that our constructive engagement with the USA is increasing,” he told the reporters while making remarks over back to back visits of some US top officials here. 

Currently US National Security Council’s Senior Director for South Asia Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher is visiting Bangladesh while US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu is scheduled to visit here next week.  

“We are very happy that they (the US officials) are coming here,” said the foreign minister.   

Momen said Dhaka wants to have constructive relationship with Washington as Bangladesh and the US believes on same values and principles like democracy and respect for human rights.

He said Bangladesh maintains multifaceted relations with the US including trade and investment, and the two countries work together in the areas of peacekeeping, counterterrorism, climate issues and maritime security.

He said Dhaka always take action to correct gap or weakness of its endeavors when any friendly country suggested or raise issue regarding those in proper channel.   

As an example Momen referred to measures taken regarding the Digital Security Act (DSA).

“If there is anything lacking, they will tell us officially. We will fix it up… resolve it we remain very positive,” he added.

Noting that there had been not a single case of enforced disappearance over the last three years, the foreign minister termed it as a great improvement.  

 “Five fingers of the hand are not equal. We take care of things if anyone creates any problem,” Momen said referring some incidents of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). 

Replying to a query regarding security cooperation between Bangladesh and The US, the foreign minister said the current government’s major focus is people’s welfare. 
However, he said security is also essential to protect the country’s economic development.” he added. 

“They (US) have assisted us to keep the maritime boundary more secure,” he added.