DHAKA, Bangladesh: A high-level US delegation has held a meeting with the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to affirm “dedication to promotion inclusive economic growth,” the American embassy in Dhaka said in a statement.
Yunus took over following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid fled the country to India amid a mass uprising. Sheikh Hasina Wajid was accused of corruption, grave violation of human rights and excessive use of force against the political activists and protesters.
During her 15-year government, Sheikh Hasina enjoyed close relations with India, and many protestors during the mass uprising strongly condemned Sheikh Hasina’s policy towards New Delhi. Bangladesh’s war crimes tribunal also plans to seek the extradition of Sheikh Hasina from New Delhi, accusing her of orchestrating “massacres” during her government.
Bangladesh’s new interim has faced mounting public pressure to ensure Sheikh Hasina’s extradition and trial, particularly following a preliminary UN report estimated more than 600 deaths in the protests leading to her removal. A probe into enforced disappearances during her government is also underway.
Dr. Yunus said that he sought Washington’s support “to rebuild the South Asian country, carry out key reforms, and bring back stolen assets,” his press office said after the new head of the interim government met the delegation in Dhaka.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus told the US officials his interim government has moved fast to “reset, restart and reform” the economy, initiate reforms in all sectors including financial sector, and fix institutions such as the country’s judiciary and police, according to the statement.