Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to hold a meeting with US President Joseph R. Biden on Tuesday here on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) which reflects growing relations between the two countries.
This is going to be a one-to-one meeting, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming the meeting in New York.
The bilateral meeting provides a rare opportunity for Dhaka to push for improving trade and boost the economy, say analysts. Biden agreeing to meet with Yunus on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York signals Washington’s eagerness to support Bangladesh’s interim government.
According to diplomatic sources, the issue of cooperation in the reforms undertaken by the interim government of Bangladesh may be given priority in the discussion of this meeting between the two top leaders. According to the source, the topic of Bangladesh’s relationship with India may also be discussed.
It is very significant as no US president has held a bilateral meeting with any Bangladesh head of government in the past decades in New York, the official added.
Chief Adviser Prof Yunus is scheduled to arrive here on Monday night (NY Time) to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with a packed schedule of meetings with global leaders on the sidelines.
According to a source from New York, the meeting between Joe Biden and Dr. may last for 30 minutes. It is not known whether other members of the two sides will join the discussion or not.
The chief adviser will address the General Debate of the UNGA on September 27.
