BD-USA Annual Security Dialogue Begins

The ninth annual bilateral security dialogue between Bangladesh and the United States commenced at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on the morning of Tuesday, September 5th.

Heading the Bangladesh delegation is Khandaker Masudul Alam, the Director General (North America) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Mira Resnick, Deputy Assistant Secretary from the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, is representing the United States.

As per statements released by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and the US Embassy in Dhaka, the dialogue's agenda encompasses comprehensive talks on various subjects, including military collaboration, peacekeeping efforts, security aid, human rights, and counterterrorism. Furthermore, the two nations are poised to explore opportunities for cooperation in promoting a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region.

The US Embassy in Dhaka underscored that the primary objective of this security dialogue is to enhance the overall security partnership between the United States and Bangladesh.

In their media release on September 3rd, they emphasized that both countries possess a robust security alliance and share mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region, aspiring for a free, open, peaceful, and secure Indo-Pacific region.

The security dialogue is an annual civilian-led discussion that encompasses all facets of the security relationship between these two nations. This year's security dialogue closely follows the Bilateral Defense Dialogue, which occurred on August 23rd and 24th in Dhaka.

The Bilateral Defense Dialogue featured senior officials and civilians from the US and Bangladeshi militaries engaging in discussions covering various aspects of the military-to-military relationship, including military education, peacekeeping operations, and upcoming military exercises, such as next year's Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange.