DHAKA, Feb 1, 2022 (BSS) - Influential US Congressman and Chair of the
House Committee on Foreign Affairs Gregory W Meeks has said they do not want
to impose any sanctions against Bangladesh and there is an excellent
relationship between the Washington and Dhaka.

   "We want to make sure that we are not (imposing any sanctions) against
Bangladesh and we are still working with the government and people of the
country," he told a fundraising luncheon function at a restaurant in New
York's Queens area on Monday, according to message received here today.

   Meeks, also an eminent lawyer, has been a US representative of Democratic
Party from New York since 1998, and serving as the chair of the House
Committee on Foreign Affairs since 2021.

   "We are not putting any embargo against Bangladesh. The sanctions were
imposed on some individuals of an organisation, not the entire organisation
... we are looking into the scenario there," he added.

   Meeks also replied to a question about a vested quarter, from inside and
outside Bangladesh, who is strongly lobbying for imposing sanctions against
more officials and the politicians as well.

  "But we will not do it as per their words ... it's not possible, and we'll
take right steps after scrutinising all things," he said.

   Meeks said that he will visit Bangladesh this year to see the human rights
situation and other issues.

  "Before then, I will talk to the State Department and Congress Sub-
Committee on the Asia-Pacific ... if necessary we'll arrange a hearing in the
Congress on Bangladesh issues," he said.

   Known for his compassionate and tenacious representation of his
constituency, and his coalition-building skills, Chairman Meeks proudly
serves the constituents of New York's Fifth Congressional District, which is
a major Bangladeshi American concentration.