The United States has laid emphasis on multiple-party participation in the next general election in Bangladesh.
Deputy Assistant to the US President and Senior Director for South and Central Asia at the National Security Council Lisa Curtis discussed the issue when she met Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali at the latter's office in the city on Sunday.
On query from Curtis, Foreign Minister mentioned that Bangladesh government is committed to holding a free, fair and participatory election.
He agreed with her and informed that the election will be free, fair and participatory, and observers from different countries, including US, are welcome as well to observe the election.
Lisa Curtis also called on the Advisor for Security Affairs to Prime Minister Major Gen (Retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and discussed the prospect of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of defence and security.
Lisa Curtis also called on the Advisor for International Affairs to Prime Minister Professor Dr Gowher Rizvi in the afternoon.
The foreign minister said that the relationship between Bangladesh and USA is getting stronger. He expressed Bangladesh government's gratitude to the US government, President Trump and its people for strong political and humanitarian support towards Bangladesh in addressing the crisis.
She said that Bangladesh could be a model in the world on how to deal with such humanitarian situations.
Curtis also mentioned that USA will "remain with and stand by Bangladesh" in resolving the crisis and offered further US assistance to deal with the upcoming challenges, especially when the monsoon is approaching soon.
She left Dhaka on Sunday evening, reports UNB.