The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The United States yesterday categorically said it would be better for Bangladesh if the state of emergency is lifted and elections are held sooner.

"The US government has been very clear that sooner the state of emergency is lifted is better, sooner the election can be held is better," US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Donald Camp told reporters after a meeting with Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury.

However, he noted that the caretaker government is making some important reforms and those reforms need to be institutionalised.

The State Department official said the US people and government "stand ready to support the Bangladeshi people on their path to democracy."

Asked about Washington's position on current process of trial of two former Prime Ministers, Camp said they expect that any trial in Bangladesh, including those of the former Prime Ministers, must be carried out with due process and in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Bangladesh.

"We think that any trials in the country, including two former prime ministers must be carried out openly and with due process in accordance with the Constitution and laws of this country," he said.

He said the US is supportive of the caretaker government and holding of the elections according to the roadmap later this year.

"We know that the caretaker government is making reforms and those reforms need to be institutionalised," he said.

Earlier, Donald Camp paid a courtesy call on Chief of Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed at Army Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment in the morning.

He remained some time with the Army Chief and discussed matters of bilateral issues, an ISPR press release said.

US Charge d' Affaires Geeta Pasi was present at that time.

Asked about his meeting with General Moeen U Ahmed, Camp said they discussed the election roadmap and reforms of the caretaker government.

Terming the outcome of nearly 45-minute meeting with Iftekhar as very useful, he said the US and Bangladesh are good friends and he looks forward to further cooperation between Washington and Dhaka.

Asked about Bangladesh's chance of getting access to US President's Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Fund following the crackdown on corruption here, the State Department official said it is important for Bangladesh to make efforts to end corruption.

"This is important to be a part of the Millennium Challenge Account and Millennium Special Program," he said, adding any country that participates in it needs to have certain criteria of having good governance, good economic governance and to be free from corruption.

Asked about the US concerns, he said Washington wants that civil liberty and human rights be protected in Bangladesh.

The Foreign Adviser said Bangladesh wants to reduce dependence on aid and seek development through trade and "for that market access is important for us."

He said they discussed market access of Bangladeshi garment to the US as well as cooperation in economic and international arena.

The Adviser hoped that the US would continue to support Bangladesh's development efforts.

Iftekhar said: "We need to maintain friendly relations at all levels irrespective of what kind of government is in office."

He added: "We've so many common elements. We've worked

together in the past to stabilize the region. We need to further strengthen our linkages in order to advance our goals."

A US Embassy release circulated among reporters said Camp encouraged respect for human rights and due process and commended caretaker government's commitment to fighting corruption.

Besides, he welcomed the caretaker government's commitment to political dialogue.

They reviewed steps being taken to enhance investors' confidence and expand trade between the two countries.

The two discussed future high-level bilateral visits.

US charge de affaires Geeta Pasi and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were present at the meeting.

Later, US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Donald Camp paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at the latter's office at Tejgaon.

During the meeting, the Chief Adviser told the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary that the government is carrying out institutional reforms along with advancing with the plan for holding the next general election in time.

"We are on the path of holding a free, fair and credible election…..there is no doubt about holding the election in time," he told Donald Camp.

Dr Fakhruddin said as the concerned institution the Election Commission has been working for holding the election in a credible manner and the government is extending all necessary support to the EC.

Referring to Dhaka-Washington relationship, he said Bangladesh values its relations with the US and Bangladesh should have market access to the US in the context of its performances.

In response, Donald Camp appreciated the caretaker government for its reform measures, saying the US is very supportive of the government and has been publicly appreciating its roles and activities.

About investment in the country, Camp stressed increasing foreign investment in Bangladesh for achieving economic growth on a large scale. "Bangladesh has to increase foreign investment as the economy of the country largely depends on it," he said.

Referring to the Bangladesh's decision to eliminate child labour in the ready-made garment industry, he said the decision has increased foreign investment in the very vital sector.

US Charge d' Affaires Geeta Pasi was present on the occasion.