Bangladesh, US eye deeper local govt cooperation

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen on Monday paid a courtesy call on Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, with both sides discussing ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in local government and development.

The meeting, held at the minister’s office, focused on potential areas for US support, including water and waste management, renewable energy and cold storage facilities for agricultural products, said a press release.

Dr Moyeen Khan expressed interest in drawing on US expertise and technology in the sectors, saying exchanges of knowledge and joint programmes could make Bangladesh’s development efforts “more effective and sustainable”.

“We are a government of the people. We believe in empowering the people,” he said, stressing the government’s commitment to public service and economic prosperity. The minister said the government had taken various initiatives to strengthen local government institutions and improve their effectiveness. 

He also identified efficient waste management as a priority for better urban management and environmental protection. 

At the outset, Ambassador Christensen congratulated Dr Khan on taking up his new responsibilities. He underscored the importance of the ministry’s work for ordinary Bangladeshis and expressed US interest in continuing support for the sector.

Both sides expressed hope that the longstanding Bangladesh-US friendship would open new avenues for cooperation in local government and make bilateral engagement deeper and more productive.

Local Government Division Secretary Mohammad Shahidul Hasan, Rural Development and Co-operatives Division Secretary Rafiqul E Mohamed and senior ministry officials attended the meeting.