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Very constructive

Mozena speaks of Dhaka's ties with China, India

Diplomatic Correspondent
Bangladesh has deepening partnership with China and India, which is constructive and advantageous for everybody, US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan W Mozena said yesterday.
Referring to China Major Bridge Engineering Company that got the job of constructing the Padma bridge, he said Chinese engagement here was good and that the bridge would make a huge contribution to the country's gross domestic product (GDP).
Speaking at a lecture on the US-Bangladesh partnership, the US envoy also said Bangladesh had no option but to have good relations with India.
"Look at the map....There is no option....! have visited so many districts on the border. I have seen the potential for enormous flow of trade with the seven sisters [Indian states sharing borders with Bangladesh], which is really not happening now."
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BUSS) organised the lecture, titled "America's partnership with Bangladesh: stronger, deeper and broader than ever", at the BUSS auditorium.
Bangladesh is a country of deep strategic importance to America as it is moderate and tolerant and offers a viable alternative to violent extremism in this troubled part of the world, the US ambassador said.
Mozena outlined America's considerable interests in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is one of the countries working in partnership with the USA in countering terrorism and violent extremism, fostering regional security, sustaining global peace and achieving global food security, he said.
US interests also include expanding trade and investment, promoting democracy and respect for human
FROM PAGE 2 rights, and helping Bangladeshis cope with disasters, especially earthquakes, Mozena added.
"To advance these many interests ... we are working with our Bangladeshi part-ners to promote a Bangladesh that is peaceful, secure, prosperous, healthy, and democratic."
Mozena also conveyed US concerns over extrajudicial killings, abductions and forced disappearances.
"These are all documented in our human rights report."
He also expressed disappointment at not being able to resume operations of the US Peace Corps in Bangladesh, which was suspended indefinitely in March 2006, fearing possible attacks on its volunteers.
Asked whether the US had changed its position regarding the January 5 election, the US ambassador said its perception of the polls remained what the embassy had conveyed through issuing statements following the election.
In the statements, the global power expressed reservations about the polls and suggested dialogue between
the major political parties tc hold a free, fair and participa tory election afresh.
On the suspension of the generalised system of prefer ences (GSP), Mozena said "In my view, this is not ar issue. I believe the issue is that the country never agair experiences another Ran; Plaza [collapse], that it neve again experiences anothe Tazreen Fashions fire."
He expressed the hope that Bangladesh might wel be on the road to transform ing the apparel sector in lint with the international stan dards set for fire safety anc factory structure soundness and to ensure workers' rights.
"I believe Presiden Obama's decision last June tc suspend Bangladesh's GSI privileges is an importan driving force in effecting this transformation."
Asked about Grameer Bank, he said it is an institu tion that should be preserved Its integrity and effectiveness should also be preserved.
BUSS Chairman Munsh Faiz Ahmad chaired the session and BIISS Directo General Maj Genera Shafiuddin Ahmed deliverec the welcome address.