United States Secretary of Defence Dr. Mark T Esper telephoned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister on Friday (September 11) evening.
During the talks, Mark T. Esper said, ‘The United States will assist Bangladesh in finding a peaceful solution to the Rohingya problem.’
Secretary Esper praised the steps taken by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and her recent activities for the benefit of the neighboring countries.
The two leaders discussed their joint commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific to ensure the sovereignty of all countries, and specific bilateral defense priorities, including maritime and regional security, global peacekeeping, and initiatives to modernize Bangladesh's military capabilities. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue close bilateral defense ties in support of mutual interests and values.
The Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told the media about the telephone conversation. Ihsanul Karim said he appreciated Bangladesh's role as the number one military contributor to UN peacekeeping operations.
He lamented the loss of a Bangladesh Navy ship in a deadly bomb blast at the port of Beirut in August.
The Secretary of Defence hopes that Bangladesh will continue its "productive role" in building peace with the peacekeeping forces and said that the United States will continue to support them in this regard.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spoke about the upcoming US elections and hopes that the elections will go smoothly.
The Prime Minister also sought the support of the US Secretary of Defence to bring back Rashed Chowdhury, the fugitive accused of Bangabandhu's murder, who is currently living in the US.