US Deputy Secretary: Bangladesh is a key partner in Indo-Pacific region

US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Beigun has said the US considers Bangladesh as one of its key partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Bangladesh's geostrategic location and continuous economic growth and stability makes it more attractive for the US," he said after a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at the State Guesthouse Padma today.

The US deputy secretary of the state said the attorney general of the country was working on the issue of repatriating Rashed Chowdhury, the fugitive killer of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

On the issue, Dr Momen said, "I have told them that we want to ensure the rule of law. Rashed is a killer and we want to ensure justice."

Stephen Beigun said US had been providing humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh for the Rohingyas, but it was not a sustainable solution.

The US would engage Myanmar on Rohingya relocation as well, he said.

However, regional countries should work together to solve the crisis, he added.

In reply to a question, the foreign minister said, "The United States does not see Bangladesh through the eyes of Delhi."

If it was the fact, the US deputy secretary would not visit Bangladesh, he added.

Dr Momen mentioned that they had a discussion on trade, investment, public health cooperation, agriculture, blue economy, climate change, ICT and energy cooperation.  

"I specifically proposed the USA about the investment in infrastructure development. The US representative said that they would further discuss the issue," said Dr Momen.

He said the US did not discuss the issues related to Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS).