New York, Sep 25 (V7N) – Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus held a meeting with USAID Administrator Samantha Power on Wednesday to explore ways to enhance collaboration between Bangladesh and the USA, focusing on key sectors like transport, energy, justice, and youth. The discussion took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

In a separate development, the United States announced nearly $199 million in additional humanitarian aid to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh and the surrounding region. This package includes over $129 million from USAID and $70 million from the US Department of State.

The funding was revealed by US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, during a Rohingya-focused event held as part of the UNGA High-level week.

USAID's contribution includes funding from the bipartisan National Security Supplemental and $78 million from the US Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation. This will be used to acquire, transport, and distribute approximately 52,200 metric tons of food commodities to around 610,000 refugees in Bangladesh suffering from acute food insecurity.

The assistance will also go towards supporting agencies like the International Rescue Committee, UNICEF, and the UN World Food Program in providing essential services such as food, nutrition, and protection for both Rohingya refugees and the local host communities.

Since August 2017, the US government has contributed more than $2.5 billion towards the regional Rohingya response, with over $2.1 billion dedicated to Bangladesh alone.

Later on Wednesday, Prof Yunus also met with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. The two discussed mutual interests in promoting justice, freedom, and human rights in Bangladesh. Turk commended the interim government for its ongoing reform efforts.

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