Bangladesh and the USA have agreed to work under a common strategy to counter extremism and halt the current subversive activities of the terrorist forces in Bangladesh and South Asian region.
The decision was reached at a very important meeting held on Sunday at the state guest house Padma between Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haq and the US Department of State's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) for South and Central Asian Affairs William E Todd.
William E Todd along with the Director of South and Central Asian Affairs for Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh Clinton Brown has visited Dhaka from November 4 to 6, sources close to the foreign ministry said.
Todd left Dhaka on November six and again arrived here this morning and held the meeting with the foreign secretary before he departed for home in the evening.
The meeting expressed concern over the recent killing of bloggers and publishers in Bangladesh and stressed on taking stern actions to stop such evil designs.
Meanwhile, according to a US embassy press release, during his Bangladesh visit, Todd met with high-level officials from the Government of Bangladesh and discussed Bangladesh's bilateral relations with the United States, the security situation, and regional issues.
"Both of our countries gain benefit when we cooperate with each others in combating terrorism , as we do on so many issues," said Todd. "On pressing global concerns like climate change, women's empowerment, and countering violent extremism, we share a vision and work toward common goals,."Todd added.
Immediately prior to this assignment, PDAS Todd served as the U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, where he focused on the advancement of democracy, human rights, regional stability, counterterrorism, and trade and investment. Before his appointment to Cambodia, he served as the Coordinating Director of Development and Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.
He held several other senior positions within the US Government. He has been a career member of the Senior Service for more than 15 years, the release added.