US Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for South Central Asia Afreen Akhter traveled to Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar from October 16-17 to meet with senior government officials, civil society members, Rohingya refugees, and representatives from humanitarian organizations.

While in Bangladesh, Afreen Akhter had productive meetings with Foreign Secretary Dr. A K Abdul Momen, and other senior officials from the Government of Bangladesh.

She emphasized the importance of free and fair elections and discussed other areas of mutual interests, including economic growth and development.

The delegation spent a day in Cox’s Bazar meeting with Rohingya refugees, Bangladesh government officials, and humanitarian organizations.

In addition, the delegation focused on learning about the lives of the refugees as well as condition in the camps.

In Dhaka, Afreen Akhter heard directly from civil society members and NGO representatives who work to promote positive civic engagement.