Dhaka and Washington aim to open new horizons in development cooperation, Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Monday.
The minister made the observation when United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen called on him at his Secretariat office. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation and development priorities in detail.
Highlighting the significance of international cooperation in the ongoing development activities of Bangladesh, Mirza Fakhrul said increased technical assistance, research, and investment are necessary to further strengthen water supply, agriculture, infrastructure development, and rural communication sectors.
He described Bangladesh as a promising field for investment, welcoming interested foreign investors and emphasising the need for enhanced private sector participation in development programmes.
The minister further noted that US has long played a vital role in building the capacity of research institutions in this region, expressing hope that such cooperation will be further expanded in the future.
Ambassador Christensen emphasised the importance of taking coordinated initiatives in sectors of mutual interest. He specifically called for increasing bilateral cooperation in agriculture, energy assistance, and the renewable energy sector, including solar panels.
Both sides expressed hope at the conclusion of the meeting that the trend of development and progress for both Bangladesh and the US would be further accelerated through cooperation and partnership.
Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan, Rural Development and Co-operatives Division Secretary Mohang Shawkat Rashid Chowdhury, senior officials of the ministry, and heads of relevant departments were present during the meeting.
