Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the US Embassy in Dhaka Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson paid a courtesy call on Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at Moghbazar central office. Photo: Collected

 DHAKA July 22, 2025 (BSS) - Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the US Embassy in Dhaka Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson has paid a courtesy call on Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at its Moghbazar central office here.

After the meeting, party’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Md Taher briefed the journalists late afternoon, said a press release today.

Taher said the ambassador wanted to know about Bangladesh’s position on terrorism, ongoing reforms, election preparations and whether there is any security threat and Jamaat’s stance in this connection as well.

He said, “We have made it clear that we want a fair election. We want basic reforms. We are in a ‘zero role’ in ensuring that no corruption and extortion politics return to Bangladesh.”

Referring to the existing foreign policy - friendship towards all; malice to none - he said Jamaat always wants to build a corruption free Bangladesh and stand for democracy.
 
Taher, quoted Jamaat Ameer as saying that his party believes in the principle and policy of good cooperation with all neighbouring countries in a congenial atmosphere with ensuring mutual security and rights.

He said the Ameer-e-Jamaat has made a special request to the US authorities concerned via the envoy to reduce the tariff to a tolerable level what the US administration has imposed on Bangladesh’s business, specially garments and other export-oriented goods.
The US relations with Bangladesh would be better with closer working atmosphere in the days to come, he hoped. 

Replying to a query, the jamaat leader said, “Overall security issues, legal aspects, preparations for elections and reform issue were discussed there . . . . We did not talk about any particular country. We also have concerns about regional issues.”

About establishment of an office of the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Bangladesh, Taher said, “Our position on this matter is very clear; if there is anything that goes against humanity, our culture, our religious teachings; then we will definitely oppose it and we are opposing it.”

US Embassy official James Stewart, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Parwar, among others, were also present there. 

Meanwhile, Jamaat’s women unit presented a Jamdani saree to the ambassador on the occasion.