Key issues unresolved despite US-BD talks

The key issues, including withdrawal of sanction on RAB as well as extradition of a convicted killer of Bangabandhu, remained unresolved during the series of talks between Bangladesh and the US.
However, the US side expressed willingness to assist Bangladesh in modernisation and institutional development of its armed forces, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said.
The latest of these talks - the 8th US-Bangladesh Security Dialogue - ended in Washington on Thursday, which followed the bilateral talks between Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in the State Department on Tuesday.
Earlier, the US-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue was held in Dhaka last month.
However, the series of dialogues brought little hope for immediate withdrawal of the sanction on RAB, imposed by the Biden administration.
The US also did not assure the government of handing over Rashed Chowdhury - a convicted killer of Bangabandhu - who was granted asylum in the US.
"These issues were the main focus of Bangladesh in the three sittings, but we did not get any assurance on resolving these issues," a senior official of the MoFA said.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Denise Jenkins led respective delegations in the security dialogue. In the meeting, Bangladesh side raised deep concern regarding the sanction on RAB and individuals, and urged the US side to reconsider the decision. "Detailed discussion took place on the issue, during which Bangladesh side highlighted RAB's pivotal role in the country's fight against terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes; and also elaborated how the sanction on RAB is unjustified, as the personnel concerned did not enjoy any impunity," said a spokesperson of the ministry, adding that "the two sides agreed to continue discussion".
"In his opening remarks, the foreign secretary stated that Bangladesh deeply values its partnership with the US. The US delegation appreciated strong ties with Bangladesh, which is well reflected in the regular dialogues between the two sides, as they opined."
"The daylong meeting covered areas like the UN peacekeeping, Bangladesh-US security cooperation including cooperation in military training, maritime security, proposed defence agreements, defence purchase and capacity development etc, regional issues like Rohingya, Indo-Pacific, and counterterrorism and civilian security cooperation. The two sides had constructive discussions on defence agreements like GSOMIA and ACSA," the spokesperson noted.
The US side praised Bangladesh's successes and leadership in the UN peacekeeping operations.
On Rohingya issue, the US highly praised Bangladesh's role, gave 'a big thank you', and committed to continue all possible supports.
"Bangladesh appreciated the US acknowledgement of genocide against Rohingyas, and urged the US side to take follow up measures. Besides, fruitful discussion took place on the Indo-Pacific Strategy, and Bangladesh expressed support to inclusive socio-economic development in the Indo-Pacific region."
The US also assured Bangladesh of its continued support in building law-enforcement and prosecutorial capacity as well as in countering violent extremism.
"The two sides also discussed about cooperation in aviation safety, with the view to early resumption of Dhaka-New York direct flight. Bangladesh appreciated the robust support received from the US in terms of COVID-19 vaccines," added the spokesperson.
The countries agreed to maintain regular contact and continue discussion on various issues. The next security dialogue would be held in Dhaka in 2023.
Bangladesh was also represented by Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Secretary of Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md Kamrul Hasan, Secretary of Law and Justice Division Md Golam Sarwar, and representatives from Prime Minister's Office, Public Security Division, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Ministry of Defence, Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Coast Guard.
The US side was represented by, among others, Assistant Secretary Jessica Lewis and Deputy Assistant Secretary Kelley Keiderling.
The foreign secretary and the PSO also held a separate meeting with the US under secretary.

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