Delegates from the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies – a highly regarded institution of the US Department of Defence (DoD) – visited the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Wednesday and joined an interactive session with the embassy officials.
Professor of the NESA Centre for Strategic Studies Dr Hassan Abbas led the delegation of 46 members, comprising participants from 28 different countries, who gathered in Washington DC for a seminar organised by the NESA Centre.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran welcomed the NESA Centre delegation at the Embassy and presented a keynote speech at the event.
In his keynote speech, Ambassador Imran highlighted the history of Bangladesh and the country’s recent socio-economic development.
He also focused on the Rohingya crisis issue, Bangladesh’s success in countering terrorism and extremism and the progress on Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF).
The ambassador stressed the need for undertaking coordinated and concerted efforts by all countries to effectively address the global challenge of terrorism. He said, “Terrorism is a global challenge, and no country can handle the challenge alone.”
While addressing the protracted Rohingya crisis, Ambassador Imran reiterated Bangladesh’s stance on durable and dignified repatriation of all displaced Rohingya people to their homeland in the Rakhine State of Myanmar.
If the problem persists further, it may affect the security and stability of the entire region and jeopardise development initiatives, he said.
While addressing the interactive session at the embassy’s Bangabandhu Auditorium, Dr Abbas highly commended Bangladesh’s success in combating terrorism, violent extremism as well as climate change challenges.
Referring to Bangladesh’s rich history, culture and heritage, he said he was highly inspired by the historical figures of Bangladesh in his personal and professional life.
Dr Abbas expressed his optimism for a closer relationship between Bangladesh and the United States. He also wished for a more prosperous and developed Bangladesh.
First Secretary of the Mission Wahiduzzaman Noor highlighted the various initiatives and successes of Bangladesh in combating terrorism and extremism before the delegation.
First Secretary of the Mission Ataur Rahman moderated the event, while Counsellor and Head of Chancery Shamima Yasmin Smriti was in the overall coordination of the session.
