Let’s continue
FROM PAGE 12
honest and direct conversations on these issues,” Miller said in an exclusive interview with The Daily Star yesterday, a day before leaving Bangladesh after completing his assignment here.
Bangladesh and the US have a strong bond, with the latter being the single largest RMG importing nation, biggest donor of Covid-19 vaccines, and provider of humanitarian aid for the Rohingyas.
There are some strains in the bilateral relationship following the US sanctions on Rab and seven of its current and former officials and leaving Bangladesh off Biden’s invitee list of Democracy Summit last year. Though Dhaka initially was in denial, it later requested Washington DC to reconsider the sanctions.
“Upcoming bilateral dialogues and senior officials’ visits are important opportunities to do so. I think it speaks to the strength of our relationship. The United States and Bangladesh can have these candid discussions while still strengthening our close partnership,” said Miller.
The diplomat said his country at times struggled with democracy and good governance, but has a magnificent system of government, of checks and balances.
Miller said the US deeply values the friendship with Bangladesh, and that shared commitments to democracy, human rights and rule of law form the foundation of powerful partnerships.
“Let’s lock arms and reaffirm our shared commitment to make our democracies better, to share ideas and learn from each other. As partners, let’s do so,” he said.
He said the US and Bangladesh have so much in common, from historic struggles for independence to innumerable and unbreakable people-to-people ties and bonds of affection.
“Like all friends, we don’t always see eye to eye. When we don’t, our relationship is strong and mature enough to have honest conversations, engage, address and move forward.”
Asked how the US wants to interact with Bangladesh when it comes to its policy on Indo-Pacific where world powers are focusing, Miller said US engagement in the Indo-Pacific is not against any country nor is it designed to make anyone choose between countries.
“Instead, our engagement is about advancing an optimistic vision we have for our participation and partnership in this region. Bangladesh is, of course, a key partner in the success of US engagement in the region.”
He said China is a competitor, not an enemy and that they welcome contributions by China to regional development, so long as it adheres to the highest standards the people of the region demand and deserve, including in areas such as transparency in bidding on and awarding contracts, rule of law, and sustainable financing.
He said a free and open Indo-Pacific region is critical to the security and prosperity of the American people and its allies and partners.
Enquired about the implications of the security deal between Australia, the UK and the US (AUKUS), Miller said it will help defend shared interests in the region for generations. It also demonstrates US commitment to revitalising its alliances and strengthening them.
“Moreover, we are reaching out to our existing partners, like Bangladesh, in new ways and amplifying our ability to collaborate.”
About the future focus of US in Bangladesh, the outgoing envoy said they will work with Bangladesh on Indo-Pacific and global security, including through cooperation on peacekeeping.
“We will work together on trade, investment and commerce for sustainable and broadly shared economic prosperity that opens new markets for American businesses and opportunities for Bangladesh as it graduates from the LDC status,” he added.
He said the US will help Bangladesh become a healthier, better educated, more food secure and climate resilient middle-income country. The US also looks to cooperate with Bangladesh on addressing climate change and supporting Dhaka’s laudable leadership among climate-vulnerable countries.
“We will help Bangladesh address the Rohingya refugee crisis,” he said. He called upon nations to join in contributing to this humanitarian response and putting pressure on Myanmar to address this crisis.
Asked why the US has yet not termed atrocities against Rohingyas a genocide, he said: “On the genocide determination, I can tell you there is currently an internal, high-level discussion on the issue at the State Department.”