Feb 12 vote to set benchmark for future elections: CA to US envoy

Chief Adviser (CA) Dr. Muhammad Yunus has said the February 12 parliamentary election will set a benchmark for all future elections in Bangladesh, stressing that the government is fully prepared to deliver a free, fair and participatory vote.

He made the remarks on Thursday (January 22) during a courtesy call by newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen at the State Guest House Jamuna.

The meeting discussed the upcoming election, labour law reforms, the proposed Bangladesh–US tariff agreement, trade expansion and the Rohingya crisis. Dr. Yunus said the election would be transparent and festive, adding that the government expects a large number of international observers, including from the European Union.

Highlighting foreign policy initiatives, he said Bangladesh is pursuing ASEAN membership and underscored the need to revitalise SAARC to strengthen regional cooperation.

Ambassador Christensen said the United States is ready to work with whoever wins the February election, praising the interim government’s reform efforts over the past 18 months and Dr. Yunus’s leadership. He also welcomed steps toward a new labour law.

Dr. Yunus thanked US President Donald Trump for reducing tariffs on Bangladeshi goods and expressed hope for further cuts through ongoing trade talks. The envoy said Washington welcomes progress in trade discussions, noting agriculture and commerce as key pillars of bilateral ties.

On the Rohingya issue, Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude for continued US humanitarian support for over one million refugees sheltered in southeastern Bangladesh.

The meeting also touched on recent US visa restrictions affecting Bangladesh and other countries. National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed were present in the meeting.