Sun Sep 15 12:54:38 UTC 2024: ## U.S. Delegation Meets with Bangladesh Interim Leader, Pledges Support for Economic Growth
**DHAKA, BANGLADESH** – A high-level U.S. delegation met with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, on Sunday, expressing their commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth in the country. The delegation, led by Brent Neiman, assistant secretary for International Finance at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, included representatives from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
Yunus took over after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country last month amid widespread protests. He has pledged to rebuild the country, carry out vital reforms, and recover stolen assets. The U.S. delegation assured Yunus of their support in these efforts.
The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka emphasized the importance of economic reforms to unlock Bangladesh’s growth potential, highlighting the role of American companies in trade and investment. The delegation met with representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), who expressed concerns over safety and order in the country, particularly regarding profit repatriation and supply chain issues.
Despite these challenges, the U.S. delegation reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Bangladesh. The USAID signed an agreement to provide $202.25 million in aid to the country, and the U.S. Embassy stated their desire to assist Bangladesh in mitigating climate risks.
The meeting comes amidst unrest in Bangladesh’s garment industry, with workers demanding better benefits and higher wages. Negotiations are ongoing between factory owners, the government, and workers’ leaders to address these issues.
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