BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a speech on “A Partnership without Boundaries: U.S.-Bangladesh Relations” on 27 May, 2013 at the Winter Garden, Ruposhi Bangla Hotel, Dhaka. Md. Shahidul Haque, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh delivered the Address of Welcome. H. E. Dan Mozena, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh made the introductory remarks of the programme. Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad, Chairman, Board of Governors, BIISS chaired the session.

H. E. Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, in her speech reiterated U.S. support for U.S.-Bangladesh partnership and reaffirmed the commitment to further broaden, deepen and strengthen the partnership. Under Secretary Sherman also stressed the significance of an inclusive democratic process as well as free, fair and credible elections in Bangladesh. She mentioned the need to reform the industrial sector and to improve the working conditions and standard of living of labour force. She appreciated the participation of Bangladesh in UN Peace-keeping missions and the existence of a vibrant civil society in the country. Noting that the relationship between the two countries is based on shared values and common goals, she discussed wide range of topics including democracy and governance, trade, investment, security cooperation and regional integration. During the dialogue, Under Secretary Sherman also announced the creation of various projects to improve the health sector, to expand the use of solar energy, to assist in fighting climate change and to develop the capacity of law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism in Bangladesh aimed at expanding the bilateral relationship.

Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad, Chairman, Board of Governors, BIISS delivered the concluding remarks. The Ambassador stated that the U.S. is one of the most important development partners of Bangladesh and also an important source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the country.  He mentioned the visit of Under Secretary Sherman as an important milestone in the journey of cooperation and collaboration between United States and Bangladesh and hoped that this will further strengthen the strategic partnership.