US to help Bangladesh recover stolen money: envoy

The United States has pledged to support Bangladesh in recovering stolen funds, US Charge d'Affaires Helen LaFave assured Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during a farewell meeting at his Tejgaon office on Thursday.

LaFave highlighted ongoing US assistance, including advice and other resources, to help repatriate the stolen money back to Bangladesh. "Repatriating stolen funds is challenging but achievable," she said. Prof Yunus responded confidently, saying, "We will definitely make it happen."

The Chief Adviser praised LaFave's contributions to strengthening Bangladesh-US relations during her tenure. Reflecting on her experiences, LaFave remarked, "I am very proud to witness history," recalling the mass student protests in July-August.

She also handed Prof Yunus a letter from Secretary of State Antony Blinken. LaFave mentioned that the US is accelerating the resettlement of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh camps to the United States.

Their discussion covered topics including judicial reforms, South Asian energy connectivity, counterterrorism, civil service reforms, and labor rights. Prof Yunus reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing comprehensive labor reforms.

LaFave added that several senior US officials plan to visit Bangladesh in the coming months to further solidify the partnership between the two nations.

Source: BSS