United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh and the United States have discussed upcoming elections in Bangladesh, economic and trade relations, Rohingya issue and regional matters. National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman met Allison Hooker, Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs and Paul Kapur, Assistant Secretary of State at the State Department in Washington DC and discussed the issues. In the meeting with Under-Secretary, Dr. Rahman briefed Ms. Hooker about the preparations and arrangements for the upcoming general elections and expressed appreciation for the support of the US to the interim government during its tenure, including for the elections, said Chief Adviser’s press wing on Saturday. Russia deploys new ballistic missile in massive strike on Ukraine, signaling the west Hooker responded that the US continues its strong support for the democratic transition in Bangladesh and looks forward to a free and fair elections in February. Dr. Rahman underscored the prospects of increased trade between the two countries following substantially enhanced Bangladeshi import of American farm products. He requested Hooker to ease travel of Bangladeshi businesspeople to the US in the context the of the recent visa bond, and if possible, to exempt B1 short term business visa for Bangladeshi businessmen from the visa bond. Hooker recognised the matter and assured that the US government will positively consider the step. She also indicated that if the overstay by the tourists declines substantially in future, the US might review the bond requirements that have been put in place. She also expressed deep appreciation for the cooperation of Bangladesh to the return of undocumented Bangladeshis.

Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal on Thursday came under fierce attack from a Jatiya Party MP for maintaining silence on the country’s various ongoing economic issues. Jatiya Party lawmaker Md. Rustum Ali Faraji in Parliament strongly criticised the Finance Minister participating in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech. Read more: Govt on track to introduce ‘lawful interception system’ to monitor social media, thwart anti-state activities: Home Minister tells JS The opposition MP from Pirojpur-3 said the Finance Minister does not talk about the sorry state of the stock market, ongoing economic situation, foreign reserves and remittances. “He is a very dignified, modest, experienced, insightful person. He cannot be disrespected. But why is he silent?” The JP MP, however, highly lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Faraji said that many are becoming loan defaulters in a 'freestyle'. They are making money through corruption and bribery and those money are being laundered abroad, he said. “This is the responsibility of the Finance Minister to look into this matter. But he is not saying anything about this. He became completely silent. The Finance Minister has to answer. Take part in the debate,” he said.   “I hope he (the minister) will explain these issues.” Faraji said the money, which has been laundered, should be brought back to the country. “It is the Finance Minister's responsibility to do this.”   Read more: 1st quarter performance of FY22-23 budget satisfactory: Finance Minister The JP MP urged the minister to publish photographs of those who looted and smuggled thousands of crores of taka in newspapers. “Then people will see those photographs and spit on them. Because they're not human beings." Faraji said that many people want to become ministers again and again. Because there are mines for money there, he said. “They want to become ministers for money,” he said.