Dr Yunus calls for common platform among donors for flood response in Bangladesh
US resumes consular services this week: envoy
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Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Monday called for a “combined” effort and “a common platform” among donors for flood response in Bangladesh.
He made the call when US Charge d’Affaires in Dhaka Helen LaFave paid a courtesy call on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, a spokesperson said.
The envoy raised some concerns over labour and minority issues.
Dr Yunus said every citizen in the country is “protected by the constitution” and that the interim government is committed to upholding the human rights of all citizens.
He also mentioned that the interim government was tasked with carrying out deep reforms and the general election would be held after a reasonable time.
Human rights issues, cyber security laws, and the Rapid Action Battalion also came up during the talks.
The US Charge d’Affaires said the United States would support the interim government of Bangladesh and strengthen ties with Dhaka on a range of issues.
She added that the US government was pleased to congratulate the Chief Adviser and was looking forward to working closely together.
Ms Helen noted that the US embassy in Dhaka would resume its consular service this week in an effort to expedite visa processing, and that thousands of Bangladeshi students are now studying at US universities.
She also said the US would work closely with Bangladesh on health, education, labour, governance, and the Rohingya issues.
Washington has started resettling Rohingya in the US, and she hoped the process would be expedited.
The US is the largest contributor to the Rohingya humanitarian responses, and the Charge d’Affaires said that the amount of monthly food aid for the Rohingya has been increased this year after more US funding.
She also called for livelihood opportunities for the Rohingya.
Dr Yunus thanked the US for supporting Bangladesh, including its continued funding for more than one million Rohingya living in camps in Cox’s Bazar.
The US Charge d’Affaires added that her government was also trying to help Bangladesh set up a prosecutorial service in an effort to ensure fair trials in the country.