It is in the United States’ interest to see reforms succeed in Bangladesh, said Steve Cima, regional head of the International Republican Institute (IRI).

“IRI’s priority is to support the reform initiatives of the interim government, especially now that there have been widespread calls to repair the country’s key institutions,” Cima said during a meeting with Advisor Chief Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka today (November 20).

IRI, the think tank linked to the Republican Party, promotes democracy around the world. Led by its regional head Steve Cima, IRI officials met with politicians, student groups and civil society leaders during their ongoing visit.

“Under the Awami League, the real concern was about the true trajectory of the country,” Cima said.

During the meeting, Prof Yunus said his government would hold elections after carrying out vital reforms.

He said the election train had already left the first station and a new election commission would prepare the ground for the general elections.

He said Bangladesh would like to work closely with the administration of newly elected US President Donald Trump.

He said he would invite top Republican senators and congressmen to visit Bangladesh to witness the unprecedented changes ushered in by the student-led mass uprising.

Geoffrey Macdonald, Head of IRI, Joshua Rosemblum, Country Head of IRI, and Lamiya Morshed, Principal Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh, were also present during the meeting.