Dhaka Bureau: The United States does not care about who is winning the election. Concerned about free and fair elections. US Ambassador to Dhaka Peter D. Haas said this at the discussion meeting of the editorial board on Tuesday (November 8). At this time, he also informed that he does not favor any particular party.
Pan Pacific Sonargaon organized this exchange meeting in the capital. The meeting was chaired by Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam, the president of the organization, Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman, Manabzamin editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Ajker newspaper editor Golam Rahman, Vorer paper editor Shyamal Dutta, Ittefaq editor Tasmima Hossain, Inqilab editor AMM Bahauddin, Samakal acting editor were present in the meeting. Mozammel Hossain, Merchant News Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Financial Express Editor Shamsul Haque Zahid and Dhaka Tribune Associate Editor Abu Said Asiful Islam.
Peter Haas said that all organizations in Bangladesh must play their proper role to ensure free and fair elections. Elections start even before the election day by creating a level playing field for all. In addition to mentioning these things, the US ambassador emphasized on independent media for free and fair elections.
During the exchange of views, the editors apprised the ambassador about the challenges of a free and independent media. In this context, it is said that not only strict laws, but also media ownership is a challenge.
The ambassador said there is continued pressure and debate within the United States about transparency on rights violations. He also said that the related organizations are working on this matter.
Bangladesh is facing various economic pressures due to Russia-Ukraine war. In this regard, the US ambassador said that the economic condition of various countries before the war, currently no one is in that position or better than that. But it is true that some countries have been affected by many countries. The ambassador pointed out that there is a need to give more importance to the agricultural sector of Bangladesh to deal with the economic pressure.
The ambassador emphasized how Bangladesh and the US can maintain cooperative relations and conduct economic activities after the LDC transition. He said, now it is important to discuss how to increase trade between the two countries. For this we also have to think what should be the next step. At this time, he gave his opinion in favor of increasing foreign direct investment in Bangladesh.
The ambassador said that the US International Development Finance Corporation invests in infrastructure development, women’s empowerment activities. But their activities are conducted under the principles of Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Where Bangladesh has lost access. After the Rana Plaza accident, Bangladesh has improved greatly for the safety of workers at workplaces.
Appreciating the opening of the Bangladesh border for the Rohingyas without expecting them to be repatriated very soon, the ambassador said, the United States cannot pressure the Myanmar junta to take the Rohingyas back to their country at the risk of their lives. Although they need to be repatriated. He added, “We have to make sure that they don’t get discouraged because of lack of commitment.”
