Bangladesh-US ties get new dimension

In the changed global perspective, bilateral ties between Bangladesh and the United States seemingly assumed new dimensions as the Obama administration wants to move with the Hasina government in resolving critical challenges like nuclear enrichment by North Korea and Iran, changing climate, food security and international peace.
Diplomatic sources told UNB that the US sought support of Bangladesh in critical areas: co-sponsoring UN resolutions seeking sanctions on North Korea and Iran over the nuclear row and recognition of Kosovo as an independent Balkan state cut out from the defunct Yugoslavia.
The sources said it would be too tough for Bangladesh to take decision on North Korea and Iran because of geopolitical and religious reasons.
On recognition of Kosovo, Dhaka would again consider its ties with Moscow as well as the sentiments of the OIC member-states in taking any such tough decision about the Balkan state, though 64 countries gave the recognition.
In recent times, the US has stepped up its diplomatic offensive in realising Bangladesh's recognition of Kosovo. But Bangladesh likes to buy time to take any precise decision on this sensitive issue on the global diplomatic plane.
Asked about the new developments in multilateral diplomacy at the United Nations, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Dr Abdul Momen said Bangladesh is now in a better position to play a leadership role in establishing a better coordination between the West and the Muslim countries and help resolve some longstanding issues.
Dr Momen said Bangladesh and the USA hold common position and want to move together in handling the issue like global warming, food security and international terrorism and peace.
“There is a sea change in the attitude towards Bangladesh,” he said, adding that since the administration of new US President Barack Obama wants to resolve thorny international issues through dialogue, it found Bangladesh could be an effective partner with “upward looking, open position and without any specific inhibition”.
Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, who had bilateral meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on September 6 at the State Department, said Dhaka's relations with Washington had been strengthened and put on a solid foundation.
She said there are indications that the United States wants to work with Bangladesh in close cooperation on a number issues. The USA and the UN are now giving leadership in facing global financial crisis, climate change, food security and peacekeeping, and they took Bangladesh on their side during the discourses on these issues on the sidelines of the UNGA session.