The assurance came when Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan had his first ever meeting with the new secretary of state at the State Department in Washington Thursday afternoon.

Rice showed US interest in Bangladesh's democratic process and expressed confidence that the next general elections will be free and fair.

Describing Bangladesh as "a democratic force and voice of moderation", she said her country will continue to work with Bangladesh for further strengthening democratic institutions.

The secretary of state termed Bangladesh "a good friend" of the United States, saying that Dhaka and Washington should work together as partners.

Rice praised Bangladesh's economic and social advancement and termed its achievement in empowering women "fantastic."

During the meeting, both the foreign ministers expressed their intention to have closer economic and political cooperation.

Khan hoped that the US would extend duty-free access to Bangladeshi products including ready-made garment to help sustain its economic progress.

He reiterated Dhaka's commitment to continue to work with all in the fight against international terrorism and observed that the two countries are cooperating closely on this issue.

During the meeting Morshed briefed his counterpart on Bangladesh's achievements in economic and social sectors including women empowerment, poverty alleviation, education, health and family planning and increased food production.

He referred to the recently published World Economic Forum report on women empowerment that placed Bangladesh on the top among South Asia and all the Muslim majority countries.

The foreign minister appreciated US contribution to Bangladesh's social and economic development.

Bangladesh Ambassador Shamser Mobin Chowdhury, US Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs Christina Rocca and Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy and State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher were present at the meeting.

Earlier on the day, the foreign minister met National Security Adviser Stephen J Hadley at his White House office. Khan briefed him on socio-economic development in Bangladesh. Hadley took keen interest in the non-party caretaker government system.