US experts urge stronger Bangladesh ties amid state reform push

A discussion session was held recently at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US, where participants stressed stronger US-Bangladesh ties amid a democracy strengthening push in the South Asian country.

They discussed the impacts of last year's bloody anti-fascist uprising on Bangladesh's internal dynamics and its geopolitical roles.

About 70 distinguished figures attended the event including policymakers, members of Congress, think tanks, diaspora members, journalists and scholars for taking part in a vital conversation on democracy, governance, and international relations in post-uprising Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh America Alliance, Right to Freedom, and Bangladesh Research, Analysis and Information Network (BRAIN), organised the session titled "Bangladesh 2.0: Democracy, Reform, and Global Engagement" on Thursday.

The program opened with remarks by Jon Danilowicz, president of Right to Freedom, underscoring the significance of the July 2024 uprising and the democratic journey ahead.

Congressman Lloyd Doggett delivered the keynote, addressing the authoritarian legacy of the Awami League and calling for support for democratic progress in South Asia.

Congressman Jim McGovern emphasized human rights and US engagement in the region.

Farhana Sultana, co-chair of the Bangladesh America Alliance, outlined the event's purpose and reflected on the uprising's ongoing impact.

Two dynamic panels followed, ending with reflections and calls for stronger US-Bangladesh ties. Speakers lauded the courage shown during the July uprising and the hope it continues to inspire.

Panel 1 was moderated by Farhana Sultana, and it featured Catherine Cooper (RFK Human Rights), Auroni Semonti Khan (Jagannath University), and Dina Siddiqi (NYU).

They assessed the interim government’s reforms and prospects for long-term stability.

Panel 2 was moderated by Shamarukh Mohiuddin (Cadmus Group), and included Ambassador (ret) Daniel Mozena, Michael Kugelman (Foreign Policy), Moushumi Khan (The Asia Group), and Ehteshamul Haque (American University).

The Panel 2 participants discussed Bangladesh’s evolving geopolitical strategy and global partnerships.