Dhaka: Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, the Charg© d'Affaires of the United States to Bangladesh, today appreciated the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus over the past 17 months and reiterated the support of his country for the February elections in Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Jacobson expressed the appreciation and affirmation of US government support for Bangladesh's polls slated for February 12, 2026, during a farewell call on the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna. The Chief Adviser's Press Wing reported that Jacobson, who is returning home after an eventful year in Bangladesh, lauded the leadership of Professor Yunus and confirmed the United States' support for the upcoming elections.
During their meeting, Professor Yunus and Jacobson discussed the forthcoming February parliamentary elections and referendum, trade, civil aviation, labour reforms initiated by the interim government, and bilateral relations between the two countries. The Chief Adviser emphasized his government's commitment to holding a free, fair, and peaceful election, with full preparations underway to ensure the success of both the parliamentary elections and the referendum.
Professor Yunus assured that any attempts to disrupt peace ahead of the elections would be dealt with firmly. Meanwhile, the US Charg© d'Affaires praised the reforms undertaken by the interim government, particularly the labour laws, stating that they would help attract greater foreign direct investment to Bangladesh.
Jacobson also commended the interim government for withdrawing 45 of the 46 cases filed against the country's labour leaders during the previous government's regime. In response, the Chief Adviser described the new labour ordinance as an 'excellent piece of legislation,' noting that leading Bangladeshi labour activists have publicly welcomed the reforms and the ratification of the International Labour Organization conventions by the interim government.
Additionally, the Chief Adviser and the US envoy discussed funding for Rohingya humanitarian assistance. Professor Yunus thanked the United States for its continued support for the Rohingyas, highlighting the US as the largest donor to life-saving humanitarian aid for more than one million forcibly displaced Rohingya living in camps in southeastern Bangladesh. He expressed hope that such support would continue in the future.
Professor Yunus thanked the US Charg© d'Affaires for her critical work during her year-long tenure and for being a 'friend to Bangladesh,' extending an invitation for her to visit in the future. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were also present during the meeting.