Tue Sep 10 15:06:55 UTC 2024: ## US to Discuss Economic Support for Bangladesh’s Interim Government

**Washington, D.C. -** The United States will send a delegation to Bangladesh this week to discuss ways to support the country’s economy and development, according to the State and Treasury Departments. The visit comes after the installation of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, aiming to hold elections following the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid widespread protests.

The delegation, led by Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Donald Lu, will include representatives from the Treasury, USAID, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. They are expected to meet with high-level members of the interim government, including Yunus, foreign affairs adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain, finance and commerce adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, and Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan Mansur.

Discussions will focus on how the U.S. can contribute to Bangladesh’s economic growth, financial stability, and development needs. The U.S. is optimistic that Bangladesh can address its economic vulnerabilities and achieve continued prosperity through necessary reforms.

Bangladesh’s economy, valued at $450 billion, has been significantly impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war, leading to increased prices for fuel and food imports. This forced the country to seek a $4.7 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund last year.

During the trip, Lu will also travel to India, where he and Jedidiah Royal, U.S. principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, will discuss defense cooperation and expanding U.S.-India collaboration in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

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