DHAKA, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) – BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today expressed deep shock at the death of former United States Ambassador to Bangladesh, William B Milam.

In a condolence message, he extended deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.
William B Milam passed away in Sacramento, California, USA on Tuesday (February 17) at the age of 89.

In his message, Fakhrul said Milam had deep knowledge and experience in the geopolitics of South Asia and contemporary issues of Bangladesh. 

This professional diplomat, who joined the US State Department in 1962, strengthened US-Bangladesh relations through his dedicated leadership and service from 1990 to 1993, he said. 

His contribution to the 'Operation Sea Angel' organisation, which played a significant role in saving the lives of thousands of people after the devastating cyclone and floods in Bangladesh in 1991, will be remembered, Fakhrul said.

Even after completing his term as ambassador, Milam worked to strengthen US-Bangladesh relations. With his death, a long-time experienced and well-known diplomat on Bangladesh passed away.

After his retirement, Milam was the editor of the US-based opinion quarterly magazine ‘South Asia Perspectives’. He was the president of the US-based human rights organisation 'Right to Freedom'. In addition, William B Milam was a senior scholar at the Wilson Center, a Washington DC-based think tank, a handout said.