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In a historic move, the United States has pledged an additional $202 million in aid to support Bangladesh's inclusive economic growth and development. This announcement comes as the country grapples with economic challenges exacerbated by the Ukraine war.
The six-member U.S. delegation, led by Deputy Under Secretary of the Treasury Department Neiman, emphasized their commitment to supporting Bangladesh's efforts to stabilize its economy and promote good governance. The aid package will focus on promoting social, human, and economic opportunities, as well as resilience in the face of challenges.
This latest aid package follows a previous agreement in 2021, where USAID pledged a total of $954 million between 2021 and 2026. The U.S. embassy has reaffirmed its readiness to support Bangladesh in building a more equitable and inclusive future.
Chief Adviser Yunus has appealed for U.S. support in rebuilding Bangladesh, carrying out essential reforms, and recovering assets stolen by the previous regime. The visiting U.S. delegation has expressed Washington's willingness to provide both technical and financial assistance to support these reform efforts.
The talks also covered a wide range of topics, including economic reforms, investment, labor issues, the Rohingya crisis, and Yunus's upcoming visit to the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
Key members of the interim government, including Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain, Finance and Commerce Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, and Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan Mansur, were also part of the discussions with the U.S. delegation.
Donald Lu, assistant secretary for South Asia, who arrived in Dhaka after wrapping up his India tour, was also part of the delegation. The U.S. embassy has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with Bangladesh on expanding economic opportunities, building institutional capacity, upholding human rights, and addressing climate risks.
Analysis: The United States' announcement of a $202 million aid package for Bangladesh's economic growth is a significant development that could have far-reaching implications for the country's stability and prosperity. This aid will not only help stabilize the economy but also promote good governance and social, human, and economic opportunities. By supporting essential reforms and recovery efforts, the U.S. is signaling its commitment to helping Bangladesh build a more equitable and inclusive future. This partnership between the U.S. and Bangladesh has the potential to drive positive change and create opportunities for the country's citizens, ultimately leading to a more prosperous and resilient Bangladesh.