Remarks

Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Judith A. Chammas at the America Week 2006 Newsmaker Conference

Chittagong

March 14, 2006

Assalumu Aleikum; nomaskar; Good Afternoon.  I’m delighted to be here in Chittagong for America Week.  For those of you that haven’t visited the booths here in the Agrabad, I encourage you to do so.  I had the opportunity earlier and was quite impressed. 

Let me start by reviewing briefly the Embassy’s priorities here in Bangladesh.  Our top priority is working with Bangladesh to counter terrorism.  Terrorism is a threat to us all: I know that here in Chittagong you suffered an attack on the courthouse last year.  We welcome the capture of Abdur Rahman and Sidiqul Islam as important steps forward in the government's response to the JMB campaign of terror. We hope that the police investigation of the JMB continues to progress and that it will shed light on whether any elements of JMB were involved with other acts of high-profile violence in Bangladesh.  Bringing to justice in a transparent and lawful manner all of the organizers, sponsors, and perpetrators of all acts of extremist and political violence remains the paramount goal for anybody concerned with the security and future of this country.  The Embassy supports the Bangladesh government’s anti-terrorism activities by providing training for the police and the coast guard. 

Bangladesh can be proud of its democracy – and Chittagong can be proud of its mayoral election last May - but maintaining that tradition requires constant diligence.  Supporting democracy is one of America’s top priorities around the world,  so we want to do what we can to help Bangladesh maintain and strengthen its democracy.  There is more to a strong democracy than elections: we welcome the return of the opposition to parliament and hope that the opposition will be able to contribute to public debate in a meaningful way through democratic means rather than through disruptive means such as hartals.  Part of the reason that the elections next year are so critical is that only a level playing field and elections that are free and fair will give the winners legitimacy.

Finally, Bangladesh faces the challenge of promoting economic growth that will be shared by all sectors of society.  Americans would like to see Bangladesh grow and believe that trade is the most effective motor of economic development.  Much of that trade flows through the port here in Chittagong.  Bangladeshi exporters of textiles and other products are competing not only on the basis of cost and quality, but also on their ability to export goods in a timely and cost-effective fashion. 

Before I take your questions, let me remind you that you will also have the opportunity to meet USAID Country Director Gene George tomorrow and Chief of the Consular Section, Elizabeth Gourlay on Thursday.  Thank you.

 

Note:  A Bangla translation of this article is also available from the American Center.  If you are interested in the translation, please call the American Center Press Section (Tel: 8813440-4, Fax: 9881677; e-mail: DhakaPA@state.gov; Website: dhaka.usembassy.gov