US delegation meets Yunus; assures support to create equitable, inclusive future for Bangladesh people

The chief adviser's office said that during hour-long talks with the delegation, Yunus sought US support to “rebuild the country, carry out vital reforms, and bring back stolen assets

PTI, Dhaka, 15.09.24 : A high-level US delegation Sunday met Bangladesh interim government's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus here and assured him of expanding economic and political ties to create a more equitable and inclusive future for the people in the South Asian country.

The delegation led by Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the US Department of the Treasury Brent Neiman met Yunus at the State Guest House in Dhaka. Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, who arrived in Dhaka on Saturday from India, also joined the delegation.

"Our delegation met with the Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, affirming our dedication to fostering inclusive growth, institution building and development to benefit the people of Bangladesh. As Bangladesh looks to chart a more equitable and inclusive future, the US stands ready to support those efforts," the US embassy here said in a post on X after the meeting.

The meeting came as the US Agency for International Development (USAID) said it will provide USD 202.25 million in aid to Bangladesh to advance development, empower youth, strengthen democracy, improve health and expand trade and economic opportunities to people.

"Driving greater prosperity: @USAID signed an agreement worth over $200 million with the Bangladesh interim government to advance development, empower youth, strengthen democracy & governance, improve health and expand trade & economic opportunities to people across the country," the USAID-Bangladesh said in a post on X.

The development came more than a month after Yunus, known for his close relations with Washington, was installed Bangladesh's Chief Advisor following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina who fled the country on August 5 amidst student-led mass protests.