Diplomatic Correspondent: Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen met with U.S. Department of State Counselor Derek Scholl to discuss various issues, including democracy, human rights, and elections in Bangladesh.
On Tuesday, September 19th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Dr. Momen held talks with Counselor Derek Scholl at the United Nations headquarters. During their meeting, they discussed not only bilateral matters but also the Rohingya issue.
Foreign Minister Dr. Momen appreciated the United States’ unwavering support for humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh.
He also urged the U.S. to exert pressure on Myanmar for the repatriation of Rohingya to their homeland.
In recent years, the Foreign Minister highlighted the achievements of the current government in maintaining stability, socio-economic development, and combating terrorism and extremism in Bangladesh.
Counselor Derek Scholl praised Bangladesh’s proactive role in development and its humanitarian efforts in providing shelter to Rohingya refugees.
During the meeting, they also discussed Bangladesh’s democracy, human rights, and election issues. Dr. Momen elaborated on Bangladesh Awami League’s long struggle to establish democracy, human rights, and the right to vote, which had to overcome challenges such as military rule and autocratic governance.
Referring to the previous BNP-Jamaat alliance government, which saw a rise in terrorism and human rights abuses, and fraudulent elections with manipulated voter lists, the Foreign Minister highlighted that the current government, under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, has successfully restored stability by curbing terrorism and extremism.
Consequently, Bangladesh has been able to make significant progress in both economic and social development.
Overall, the meeting between Foreign Minister Dr. Momen and Counselor Derek Scholl covered a range of important issues, demonstrating the strong diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the United States.