Dhaka, Dec 29 (V7N) — U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson paid a farewell visit to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Principal Advisor to the Interim Government, at the Jamuna State Guest House on Monday. The meeting focused on the upcoming February parliamentary elections and referendum, trade, civil aviation, labor reforms, and overall bilateral relations between the two countries.

On the eve of her return home after a year-long tenure in Bangladesh, Jacobson commended Professor Yunus for his leadership over the past 17 months and reaffirmed the U.S. government’s support for the upcoming elections.

Professor Yunus highlighted the government’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections, stating, “We are fully prepared. Any attempt to disrupt peace before the elections will be dealt with sternly.”

Jacobson praised the interim government’s labor reforms, describing the new labor law as “extraordinary and exceptional” and noting that these measures are expected to attract more foreign investment. She also welcomed the withdrawal of 45 out of 46 cases filed against labor leaders during previous governments.

Professor Yunus called the new labor ordinance “an excellent law,” adding that top labor leaders have positively received the reforms and are looking forward to the ratification of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention by the interim government.

The discussion also included humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya. Professor Yunus thanked the United States for its support, emphasizing that it is the largest donor of life-saving assistance to over one million forcibly displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh.

In closing, Professor Yunus expressed gratitude to Jacobson for her contributions during her tenure, referring to her as a “friend” of Bangladesh and inviting her to visit the country again in the future.

National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Senior Secretary for SDGs Lamia Morshed were present at the meeting.

END/SMA/AJ