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Online Desk  :   United States (US) Chargé d’Affaires to Bangladesh, Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, on Monday commended the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and reiterated Washington’s support for Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, 2026. Jacobson made the remarks during a farewell courtesy call on the Chief Adviser at State Guest House Jamuna, marking an end of her tenure in Dhaka, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

She praised Professor Yunus for his leadership over the past 17 months and reaffirmed the US government’s backing for the upcoming elections. During the meeting, the two sides discussed preparations for the February parliamentary polls and the referendum, along with broader issues including trade relations, civil aviation, labour sector reforms and overall bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States. Professor Yunus assured the US envoy that the interim government is fully committed to holding a free, fair and peaceful election. He said all necessary preparations are underway and warned that any attempts to disrupt stability ahead of the polls would be dealt with firmly.

The US Chargé d’Affaires welcomed the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government, placing particular emphasis on recent labour law reforms. She described the new labour legislation as remarkable and said it would help boost foreign direct investment in Bangladesh. Jacobson also praised the government’s decision to withdraw 45 out of 46 cases filed against labour leaders during the previous administration. In response, Professor Yunus termed the labour ordinance an excellent piece of legislation, noting that prominent labour activists have publicly welcomed the reforms, along with the interim government’s ratification of key International Labour Organization conventions.

The meeting also covered humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees. The Chief Adviser expressed gratitude to the United States for its continued support, noting that Washington remains the largest single donor of life-saving aid for more than one million forcibly displaced Rohingya living in camps in southeastern Bangladesh. He expressed hope that such assistance would continue in the future. Professor Yunus thanked Ambassador Jacobson for her contributions during her year-long assignment and described her as a friend of Bangladesh, extending an invitation for her to visit the country again. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were present at the meeting.

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