Terrorism, tariff, polls discussed

Ramped-up US tariffs, counterterrorism cooperation, election preparedness, and the ongoing reform dialogues under the Consensus Commission figured high during a meeting between the Chief Adviser and the American Chargé d'Affaires in Dhaka on Monday.

After the meeting between the head of interim government of Bangladesh, Dr Muhammad Yunus, and the US envoy, Tracy Ann Jacobson, the press was briefed on what transpired in the discussions between the two sides.

During the meeting, the Chief Adviser emphasised that the government maintains a "zero-tolerance policy toward terrorists", Chief Adviser's Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, told reporters.

"The meeting between the US envoy and the Chief Adviser took place in a very cordial environment. The discussion covered US tariffs, counterterrorism cooperation, election preparedness, and the ongoing dialogues surrounding the Consensus Commission," he added.

"During the meeting, Professor Yunus informed the Chargé d'Affaires that counterterrorism is the top priority of the interim government," said the Press Secretary.

"He clearly stated that the government has zero tolerance toward terrorists and conveyed this message unequivocally."

He added: "A Bangladeshi delegation is leaving for the United States tonight (Monday). A meeting on tariff issues is scheduled to begin soon. We are hopeful that the discussions will conclude positively.

"A group of business representatives is also accompanying the delegation, though they will not be participating directly in the negotiations."

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com