Dhaka [Bangladesh], December 29 (ANI): US Charge d’Affaires to Bangladesh Tracey Ann Jacobson paid a farewell call on Interim Government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Monday, discussing the upcoming February parliamentary elections and referendum, as well as bilateral relations between the two countries.
In a post on X, the Interim Government said, “Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, the Charge d’Affaires of the United States to Bangladesh, on Monday paid a farewell call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. During the meeting, they discussed the upcoming February parliamentary elections and referendum, as well as trade, civil aviation, labor reforms initiated by the Interim Government, and overall bilateral relations between the two countries.”
Jacobson, who is returning home after an eventful year in Bangladesh, praised Yunus’ leadership over the past 17 months and reiterated US support for the February elections. Yunus affirmed his government’s commitment to holding free, fair, and peaceful elections, noting that full preparations were underway to ensure their success.
“We are fully prepared,” Yunus said, adding that any attempts to disrupt peace ahead of the elections would be dealt with firmly. The US Charge d’Affaires also lauded the Interim Government’s reforms, particularly the labor laws, describing them as “truly remarkable and extraordinary” and saying they would help attract greater foreign direct investment to Bangladesh.
She commended the withdrawal of 45 of 46 cases previously filed against the country’s labor leaders. In response, Yunus described the new labor ordinance as “an excellent piece of legislation,” adding that leading Bangladeshi labor activists had welcomed the reforms and the ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions by the Interim Government.
The discussion also included funding for Rohingya humanitarian assistance. Yunus thanked the United States for its continued support, noting that the US remains the largest donor to life-saving aid for over one million forcibly displaced Rohingya living in camps in southeastern Bangladesh, and expressed hope that this support will continue.
Yunus extended his appreciation to Jacobson for her work in Bangladesh during a challenging period, calling her a “friend to Bangladesh,” and invited her to visit in the future. National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were also present at the meeting.
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