Dhaka, Washington agree to expand trade, combat fanaticism

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said Bangladesh has agreed to deepen ties with the United States through expansion of trade and strengthening efforts to combat “militancy and fanaticism.”

"We have expressed our commitment to work together," he told reporters after his separate meetings with US Ambassador Peter Haas and European Union Ambassador Charles Whiteley at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The foreign minister said the rise of fanaticism is a problem worldwide. 

Responding to a question, he also said there has been exploration of oil offshore. 

The foreign minister said there are oil reserves as discovered by a US company.

He said Bangladesh and the US have cooperation in the defence area and they have discussed the issue. 

The foreign minister said he has discussed the Rohingya repatriation issue with both the ambassadors.

He said Bangladesh wants Rohingyas to return to their homeland with full rights.

Hasan Mahmud said Bangladesh is now hosting around 15 lakh Rohingyas, and the number is growing . "It's a burden for us."

Talking to reporters, US Ambassador Peter Haas said he looks forward to working closely with Bangladesh in the coming months on issues of mutual importance. 

He mentioned climate change, expanding business opportunities, and other areas of cooperation to advance the relations. 

"I look forward to working very closely in the coming months to advance our mutual interest," said Ambassador Haas.

Referring to the meeting with the foreign minister, he said it was an opportunity to talk about the future of the US-Bangladesh relationship. 

Responding to another question, Hasan Mahmud said the US Ambassador did not raise the election issue.

However, the minister briefed him about the arson attacks carried out by BNP activists before the January 7 election. 

He also mentioned the observers who came from the US and other countries, and found the election to be free and fair. 

The foreign minister conveyed to the US Ambassador that around 42 per cent votes were cast. "It could have been 10 per cent more if there were no fog and cold."

Asked about withdrawal of US sanctions on RAB, the foreign minister said, "We have been working on that. We discussed the issue."