During his bilateral discussion with the Bangladesh Chief Adviser on the fringes of the UN General Assembly in New York, US President Joe Biden pledged his nation’s complete support to the Prof. Muhammad Yunus-led Interim Government of Bangladesh.

It is considered a “rare occasion” that Chief Advisor Prof. Yunus met with the US President on Tuesday morning (New York Time) and that it will assist elevate the two nations’ already excellent relations.

For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, a US president has had a private meeting with the head of state while attending the UNGA.

The meeting with the US President reflects growing relations between the two countries, Bangladesh said.

“This is an important day. It is very rare (to see such a meeting) at the UNGA,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said.

Alam said Bangladesh in any case maintains very good relations with the US and with this meeting the relationship will reach a new level.

“It’s a good news that the US stands beside Bangladesh in this period of transition,” he added.

Professor Yunus apprised him about how the students stood up against the tyranny of the previous government and sacrificed their lives to create the opportunity to rebuild Bangladesh.

Professor Yunus emphasized that his government must succeed in rebuilding the country and would require US cooperation.

President Biden remarked that if the students could make such sacrifices for their country, then they should also do more.

Professor Yunus handed a copy of the The Art of Triumph, a book on wall paintings drawn by the students and young students during the revolution, to President Biden during the meeting.

Bangladesh and the US are working on a number of issues closely including labour sector reforms and the Rohingya crisis.

Although that gives them little time to discuss anything in depth, there is tremendous messaging and symbolism associated with it.

By having this meeting at all, Washington is signaling not just bilaterally or regionally, but to the world at large that it is standing by Bangladesh during the period of upheaval it is going through.

It is not usual for a US President to hold bilateral meetings during the UNGA and Dhaka hopes to see a new strategic partnership emerge out of this meeting that will strengthen the ties with the US on all fronts.

Biden is visiting New York City to participate in the 79th session of the UNGA.

In addition to addressing the General Assembly on Tuesday, President Biden will meet with world leaders to discuss cooperation in tackling threats to international peace and security, advancing global prosperity, and protecting human rights, said Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s trip to New York City.

The US has already affirmed their dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth, institution building, and development to benefit the people of Bangladesh.

As Bangladesh looks to chart a more equitable and inclusive future, the US said it stands ready to support those efforts.

This is Prof Yunus’s first visit to the United States as a head of government, where he will attend the 79th UNGA. Coincidentally, it is also his first visit abroad since the formation of the interim government on August 8.