Remarks by Ambassador James F. Moriarty at the America Week Opening Dinner

December 8, 2009

Honorable Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Ghulam M. Quader; ladies and gentlemen; citizens and friends of Rajshahi; assalamu-aleikum and good evening. This is my first visit to Rajshahi, and I am having a wonderful time. With this trip, I have now visited all six divisional capitals in Bangladesh—and, as we say in the United States, I saved the best for last.

I would like to thank Honorable Minister Quader for agreeing to join us today. I would also like to thank Divisional Commissioner Hafizur Rahman Bhuiyan for warmly welcoming us to Rajshahi Division and Police Commissioner Md. Nawsher Ali for his support of this week’s events.

The purpose of America Week is to celebrate the great partnership between the people of Bangladesh and the people of the United States. Since 2002, we have hosted America Week in Sylhet, Khulna, Chittagong, and Barisal—as well as in Rajshahi in 2004.

Our goal is to invite the people of Rajshahi to a variety of functions showcasing a broad range of U.S. Government-supported programs and the mutual interest and respect that exists between the people of the United States and Bangladesh. American experts are also present to provide information on consular services for visa applicants, cultural and educational affairs, trade and investment, and higher education opportunities in the United States. While this is my first visit here, I already feel at home in Rajshahi. I am told that, in all Bangladesh, Rajshahi has the tastiest mangoes, the best universities, and the happiest people. I have already tasted Rajshahi mangoes, and they are in fact delicious. I’ve spoken with academics and students from the universities, and they are a match for any in the world. And looking back on the good cheer and hospitality I’ve seen today, I know I’m going to fondly remember this city for a long time to come.

Thank you for welcoming me into your community. “Community” is our theme this week. In my 19 months in this country, I’ve learned that Bangladeshis know a thing or two about community. I’ve seen how Bangladeshis pull together after a tragedy to support one another. After Cyclone Sidr, I witnessed people passing buckets of mud down a line to rebuild their village’s embankment. I’ve seen groups of citizens who did not hesitate to recognize their civic and human responsibilities. These individuals, including many young people, raised funds for victims, organized awareness campaigns, and collected blankets and clothing for those who lost everything. I have also seen how groups of women work together to pay back their microcredit loans, striving to bring prosperity to their villages through entrepreneurship. Bangladeshis know the meaning of community. Increasingly, we see this definition expanding. Even in a centralized nation such as Bangladesh, the progress of the entire country depends on all its parts.

The development of Rajshahi is crucial to the development of all Bangladesh. And Rajshahi, with its excellent universities, can help spur the development of the nation by serving as a hub of creativity and innovation. We are glad to be part of your community as well. Every day we see evidence of our interdependence. It is apparent in business, in transnational security, in environmental issues, and in many other spheres. The U.S. is a key partner in spurring the development of Bangladesh. Our open trading system helps budding entrepreneurs turn great ideas into profitable reality.

Our top-notch universities help train the future leaders of Bangladesh. Our development assistance--$5.5 billion since 1971—helps Bangladeshis develop new skills, get the healthcare they need, feed their families, and live in better-governed communities. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are committed to advancing our global community through global partnership. President Obama will soon join Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Copenhagen to discuss the threat of climate change. We all agree that this is an urgent issue for Bangladesh. Both our leaders have called for a comprehensive global agreement to bring our children and grandchildren a safer planet and a better future. Another major goal for our global community is to ensure that people around the world have access to safe, sufficient and nutritious food. In recognition of the centrality of food security to global development, our government has committed $3.5 billion to global agricultural-led economic development programs over the next three years. Food security has long been a key issue in the America’s development partnership with Bangladesh. Assisting Bangladeshis to feed their families. Helping a neighbor rebuild his home after a cyclone: both of these represent the spirit of community service. We all seek to help our neighbors in this global community, not only for their good, but also for our own. A person’s business will not be prosperous if his neighbors cannot afford rice. Similarly, Bangladesh cannot become a middle-income country if Rajshahi or any other area is left behind. And we will not leave a safe, stable, free, and prosperous world for our children if other people’s children live in poverty and repression.

This week will highlight the many ways we partner with Rajshahi in our global community. We work with local health organizations to put an end to women dying in childbirth. We have supported the Varendra Museum’s efforts to preserve Rajshahi’s priceless cultural heritage. We have partnered with local youth performers—many of them victims of trafficking themselves— to educate communities so that no one else will have to live through the horrors of slavery and oppression. In all these ways and more, we will demonstrate the strength of our partnership.

Great communities and great partnerships are founded on mutual respect and the pursuit of mutual interests. It is with great respect and interest that I have come to Rajshahi. I speak for all of my colleagues and our partners assembled here when I say that we look forward to learning more about your community. I know we are going to share an eventful and enjoyable time together during America Week.

Thank you all for coming tonight.