US-Bangladesh ties firmest now: Mozena

Relations between America and Bangladesh at present are better than any time before, the outgoing US Ambassador has said.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 17 Dec 2014, 07:11 PM
Updated : 17 Dec 2014, 07:11 PM

Dan Mozena made the observation after his meeting with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Leader of the Opposition Raushon Ershad on Wednesday.

His comments came amidst a controversy triggered by LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam’s caustic remarks about Nisha Desai Biswal, US assistant secretary of state for south and central Asian affairs, following differences over the Jan 5 national elections.

"Bangladesh is forging ahead, and will continue to do so,” Mozena said and described the country’s post-election scenario as being “peaceful”.

He met Raushon, who became the Opposition Leader in Parliament after the Jatiya Party, of which she is a Presidium member, contested the Jan 5 polls.

Mozena, along with his wife, then met Khaleda, whose party had boycotted the last general election, at her Gulshan residence.

"US-Bangladesh relations are at present stronger, deeper, and broader than any time before,” Mozena told reporters after his meetings with the two leaders.

Earlier at Raushon’s residence, he told reporters that he was proud to be associated with the firmest US-Bangladesh ties so far. He said he hoped the trend would continue.

The envoy said he had discussed the role of the opposition in a democracy with Khaleda –who has been demanding fresh elections.

“A political party should play its democratic role in a peaceful manner,” he said.
He said the BNP chief had expressed satisfaction over the turnout at her recent rally in Narayanganj's Kanchpur.
Opposition Chief Whip Tajul Islam Choudhury said the polls had not featured in Mozena’s discussions with Raushon.
"(Mozena) did not utter a word about the election. Today’s meeting proves they have accepted Raushon Ershad as the Leader of the Opposition,” Choudhury said.
Mozena told both leaders that he enjoyed his responsibility in Bangladesh and about his tour of all the districts.
"Bangladesh is a special place for me. The people of this country are very nice. I will not say ‘good bye’ but, rather, ‘we will meet again’."
Mozena described Bangladesh as an “emerging tiger” of Asia. An unprecedented revolution had taken place in the fields of agriculture, health, information technology, and education in Bangladesh, he said.
The country’s progress in reducing maternal and child mortality rates had also been “phenomenal”, he said.
"Bangladesh has achieved unthinkable success in every sphere, demanding international praise."
Washington has already approved Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat as Mozena’s successor. She is expected to be in Dhaka at the end of January, Mozena said.