US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen paid a courtesy call on Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee at the ministry on Wednesday, discussing issues of mutual interest including the Padma Barrage project and the Teesta Master Plan.
During the meeting, the Water Resources minister said Bangladesh and the United States share a very strong relationship, calling for increased institutional investment in education, technical cooperation, vocational training, and research between the two countries.
Annie Chowdhury noted that the current government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has just completed three months in office. In line with election pledges, the Padma Barrage project has been approved to fulfill the long-cherished expectations of people in the country’s south-western and north-western regions.
The minister expressed optimism that the Teesta Master Plan would be approved soon after necessary tests and surveys are completed and urged the US to continue its role in Bangladesh’s socio-economic development.
The ambassador said Bangladesh’s economic development will increasingly grow with the elected government assuming office. He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to continue its past role in consolidating democracy, protecting human rights, and promoting socio-economic development.
Water Resources Secretary AKM Shahabuddin, US Embassy Economic Section Chief Mike Pennel, and Political and Economic Officer Charles Besnard were present.
