DHAKA, 29 December 2021, (TON): Dhaka wants prior discussions before the US takes any decision on Bangladesh regarding security cooperation so that the country can ensure protection of its security interests.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told "we will communicate to the US that they should let us know before making any decision if they have any allegations against any organisation of Bangladesh.”

He said “if the US says that they have credible information on any organisation, Bangladesh would seek to learn of the source of the information.”

Masud Bin Momen said "we will seek adequate time to explain the measures that Bangladesh will have taken and its position.”

The meeting discussed various aspects of Leahy Law that governs the nation's funding to foreign security forces. Officials from the home and law ministries and law enforcement agencies were present at the meeting. The law will be effective from January, 2022.

In a letter to Dhaka on December 1, Washington said Dhaka needs to inform in writing the consent to the Leahy Law for assistance on security cooperation.

The US will need consent of the countries where the US cooperates on security issues. Bangladesh would need to inform the US government of the security forces that get security assistance from the US and how it will be used.