US envoy, NCP discuss democratic reforms, trade agreement

Highlights:

• US ambassador meets NCP leaders in Dhaka
• US envoy stresses inclusive democratic reforms
• NCP raises concerns over Bangladesh-US trade deal
• US envoy urges review of trade agreement
• NCP, US envoy discuss July Charter reforms

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen met National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today (22 July), with the two sides discussing Bangladesh’s reform process, bilateral relations and a recently signed trade agreement.

The meeting was held at around 12:30pm at the party’s central office in Banglamotor, according to sources at the NCP.

The US delegation included Political Counsellor Eric Gillan and Political Officer James Stewart. The NCP delegation comprised spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Head of the International Relations Cell Alauddin Mohammad, and members Monira Sharmin and Navid Nowroz Shah.

According to NCP, the two sides discussed Bangladesh-US relations in the context of the evolving global economy and geopolitical landscape. They exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation, including through multilateral forums.

NCP leaders also raised what they described as public concerns over the recently signed trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States.

In response, Ambassador Christensen and other members of the US delegation provided further clarification on the agreement. They encouraged a careful review of its provisions, saying they hoped it would create new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides also discussed the implementation of the referendum’s outcome and reform initiatives under the July Charter, according to the party.

NCP leaders alleged that the government was moving ahead with reforms through the Constitutional Amendment Committee without adequately taking into account the referendum’s mandate, and voiced concern over the process.

Responding to the issue, Ambassador Christensen stressed the importance of advancing democratic reforms through political dialogue, an inclusive process and the participation of all relevant stakeholders, the party said.

Following the meeting, Nahid Islam expressed hope that Bangladesh and the US would continue to strengthen their constructive engagement, cooperation and longstanding friendly relations.