Shannon meets Khaleda, leaves without briefing

United States Department of State official Thomas Shannon met BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence today.

The meeting started at 11:05am lasted for 45 minutes. Later, the US undersecretary of state for political affairs-designate left without talking to reporters.

BNP’s acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Member Moyeen Khan, Khaleda’s Adviser Sabih Uddin Ahmed and Reaz Rahman were present at the meeting.

After the meeting, Moyeen Khan told waiting reporters that talks took place on the grounds of peace, human rights and democracy in Bangladesh.

BNP said to have told the US representative that the party can better Bangladesh’s development process stronger through strengthening the democratic process.

“The friendship relation between US and Bangladesh will be stronger through strengthening the democracy process of the country. Protecting human rights means to protect democracy. No other system is acceptable except this,” Moyeen told the media.

The meeting took place weeks ahead of the municipal polls – which for the first time in the country will be held under party banners. BNP, who boycotted January 5 elections that resulted in ruling Awami League’s return, is participating in the polls.

US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs-Designate Thomas Shannon arrived yesterday with two senior diplomats. He will leave for Sri Lanka this afternoon.