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US envoy worried over political impasse

STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Outgoing US Ambassador to Bangladesh Harry K Thomas has said people may look for an alternative if the major political parties do not work together on issues of national interests, and that will not be good for the country.
"We know sometimes you can have other elements who try to take over, and I am confident you will not allow that to happen. And I hope the major parties will recognise that an impasse leads to something unfortunate."
Taking part in a 'DCAB-Diplomat Talk' organised by Diplomatic
Correspondents Association Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday, the envoy stressed resolution of political impasse and greater understanding on important national issues.
Thomas, who is leaving Dhaka early next month to take up his new assignment as Executive Secretary of the State Department in Washington, said democracy in Bangladesh is still nascent and emphasised strengthening of parliament through the participation of all major and minor parties in its sessions.
US envoy
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During the hour-long talk, Thomas replied to a series of questions on democracy, economic development, corruption, extremism and US-Bangladesh relations.
Replying to a question on Bangladesh's next general election, he said US would do everything possible to help ensure that the election is held in a free, fair and credible manner.
The past three general elections were free and fair, and US is hopeful the next election will also be so, he said.
On Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) election, he said it was generally free and fair.
About the CCC mayor's reported criticism of the US, the ambassador said, "I have no idea of some of the things that he says."
Asked about the political situation in Bangladesh, Thomas said US always wants that the two major parties sit together and resolve the issues. "It is up to the parties to decide when they will sit together."
On the State Department report on extremism in Bangladesh, he said it is not only the State Department's concern but the Bangladesh government also clearly responded to its own concern by banning of two radical groups, including the JMJB.
Police are also looking for JMJB leader Bangla Bhai, which proves there is extremism in Bangladesh, he added.
Asked about killing in 'crossfire' with Rapid Action Battalion, he said US is concerned over any extrajudicial killings by any group or individual, including so-called vigilante Bangla Bhai.
The US government strongly condemned the killing of Awami League (AL) lawmakers SAMS Kibria and Ahsanullah Master as well as the August 21 grenade attack on an AL rally and the May 21 attack on the British High Commissioner in Dhaka, he mentioned.
"We want that people responsible for these heinous acts face the court of law," he said.
The envoy declined to comment on FBI's probe into the grenade
attacks, saying it is an 'ongoing investigation'.
Thomas expressed concern about journalism in Bangladesh. "It is not an easy place for journalists. I salute the journalists of this country for the way they are working under duress," he said recalling the killings of journalists in Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi and Jessore. "We want to see the killers of journalists brought to justice."
He hoped the newly established Anti-Corruption Commission would be able to do its assigned jobs after overcoming the 'growing pains'.
About the prospect of Bangladesh getting funds from the US Millenium Challenge Accounts (MCA), he said there are different set criteria to have access to the MCA funding, and Bangladesh will have to take certain steps, including measures against corruption, to qualify for that.
Thomas said he is very optimistic about the functioning of democracy in Bangladesh as people here are committed to democracy.
"People in Bangladesh are moderate, tolerant and respectful to people of other religions, including the minorities. There are some 'bad apples', but they are not the vast majority," he said.
On obstacles to investment in Bangladesh, he said American companies are facing various problems including re-tendering process, difficulties in getting landline telephone and Internet access and obstacles due to corruption. The problems would be addressed soon, he hoped.
Dhaka-Washington ties, he said, are getting stronger day by day.
Asked about India's river-linking projects and adverse impacts of Farakka barrage in Bangladesh, he said the matters would be resolved bilaterally.
DCAB President Shamim Ahmad chaired the talk.