State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the United States Richard Michaels held a meeting on the sidelines of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, April 21, 2026 (BSS) – State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today termed the United States as a steadfast partner in advancing democracy. 

The state minister made the comment when met Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the United States Richard Michaels on the sidelines of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, said a foreign ministry’s press release here.  

During the meeting, she highlighted the longstanding cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States in promoting democratic governance, strengthening institutions, and upholding human rights.

The state minister also shared her experience of engaging with partners in the United States over the years in efforts to restore democratic processes and ensure people’s enfranchisement in Bangladesh.