US congressional briefing highlights Bangladesh’s democratic transition, global engagement
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A high-level congressional briefing held on Capitol Hill on July 15 focused on Bangladesh’s ongoing political transition, governance reforms, and shifting global role following the July 2024 revolution.
Titled “Bangladesh 2.0: Democracy, Reform, and Global Engagement”, the event was jointly organised by the Bangladesh America Alliance, Right to Freedom, and the Bangladesh Research, Analysis and Information Network (BRAIN), according to a press release.
Over 60 participants attended the session, including members of the US Congress, diplomats, academics, policy experts, and representatives of the Bangladeshi diaspora.
Opening the session, Jon Danilowicz, President of Right to Freedom, reflected on the transformative significance of the 2024 uprising in Bangladesh and the aspirations it continues to inspire.
In his keynote speech, Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX, 37th District) criticises the legacy of the Awami League, describing it as authoritarian, and called for robust US support for democratic consolidation in South Asia.
Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA, 2nd District) stressed the centrality of human rights in US foreign policy and reaffirmed the importance of sustained US engagement in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.
Farhana Sultana, Co-Chair of the Bangladesh America Alliance, outlined the objectives of the briefing, highlighting the enduring impact of recent political changes.
She also moderated the first of two expert panels, which assessed the government’s reform agenda and prospects for long-term political stability.
Among the speakers were Catherine Cooper of RFK Human Rights, Auroni Semonti Khan of Jagannath University, and Dina Siddiqi of New York University.
A second panel, moderated by Shamarukh Mohiuddin of the Cadmus Group, examined Bangladesh’s global partnerships and geopolitical positioning. Panelists included former US Ambassador Daniel Mozena and South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman.
A second panel, moderated by Shamarukh Mohiuddin of Cadmus Group, explored Bangladesh’s evolving global partnerships and strategic positioning in an increasingly multipolar world.
Former US Ambassador to Bangladesh Daniel Mozena, South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman, Moushumi Khan of The Asia Group, and Ehteshamul Haque of American University were among the panelists.
The event drew participants from the US policymaking community, research institutions, the private sector, diaspora organisations, and the media.