The United States "is eager" to work with Bangladesh in its effort to combat extremist groups and terrorism, United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs John Gastright has said.

During an online dialogue on US-Bangladeshi relations with a group of Bangladeshi journalists on December 20, Gastright said the US encourages the "traditionally moderate and tolerant" country to take measures to address corruption in public and private sector.

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Meanwhile, Gastright fielded questions, from eight journalists of various Bangladeshi newspapers, on the overall status of US-Bangladeshi relations, recent terrorist activities in that country, and the challenge of corruption in the private and public sector.

Affirming that Bangladesh should take action to preserve its democracy, he said such actions are "vital to assure a peaceful and prosperous future" for the nation, he added.

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He laid out several key components of a successful "full partnership" between the two countries in the fight against terrorism; closing institutions linked to Islamic extremists; passing a recently introduced comprehensive bill to combat money laundering; encouraging Bangladesh to support the Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism and capturing and prosecuting Bangla Bhai and Abdur Rahman, two terrorists wanted in connection with countrywide bombings in Bangladesh in August.

Recognising the development of democracy in Bangladesh, since gaining independence in 1971, Gastright said, "The United States greatly admires the hard work, sacrifices, and perseverance of the Bangladeshi people."