4th US-Bangladesh security dialogue held

The fourth security dialogue between Bangladesh and the United States has been held in Washington.

“The discussions touched a broad range of topics, including strategic priorities and regional issues, security assistance, cyber-security, peacekeeping, military-to-military cooperation, and counter-terrorism,” a media release from US State Department, dated yesterday (US local time), said.

Foreign Secretary (bilateral) Mizanur Rahman led the Bangladesh side. The US side was headed by principal deputy assistant secretary of state for Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM) Todd C Chapman.

“Participants also discussed humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime and border security, and related issues.”

“The dialogue reflects our growing defense relationship with Bangladesh, and our shared commitment to peace and prosperity in the region,” the media release said.

The US side applauded the invaluable contribution of Bangladesh to promote global peace under the aegis of the UN peacekeeping operations, Bangladesh mission in Washington said in a press release.

The shared commitments of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and US President Barack Obama to co-host the UN peacekeeping summit in the sideline of the high level segment of the upcoming 70th UNGA was one of the highlights in the discussion, it said.

Bangladesh side also reiterated its unwavering commitment to denounce terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations and thanked the US side to invite Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to participate in the counter-violent extremism summit, another UNGA signature event to be hosted by Obama this September, the press release read.  

The first security dialogue was held in Dhaka on April 19, 2012, while the second in Washington in April, 2013. The third dialogue was held in Dhaka on April 22, 2014.

The 5th round of security dialogue will be held in Dhaka next year.