The following is attributable to Acting Spokesperson Tom Babington:

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green met today in Washington, D.C. with Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque.

The two officials discussed the strong friendship and alliance between Bangladesh and the United States, the ongoing crisis in Burma's Rakhine State, and the upcoming conference on human rights hosted by the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry. Administrator Green thanked the Foreign Secretary for Bangladesh's hospitality and generosity in hosting nearly one million Rohingya refugees.

Administrator Green expressed concerns the U.S. Government has regarding credible reports of election irregularities, including harassment, intimidation, and violence, which marred Bangladesh's recent election. Noting Bangladesh's ambition to accelerate economic growth and attract foreign investment, the Administrator emphasized the important role that citizen-responsive governance, transparency, respect for human rights, and strong democratic institutions play in creating a conducive environment for business.

The Administrator also pressed for the Bangladeshi Government to pursue every avenue to bring to justice the killers of USAID employee Xulhaz Mannan, murdered in Dhaka almost three years ago.