The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Bangladeshi citizens in USA are trying to solicit support and co-sponsorship from their respective congressmen for the New Partnership Development Act (NPDA) passage of which will let goods of least developed countries to enter US market free of duty.

Congressman Jim McDermott introduced "NPDA 2007" bill in the US Senate last October.

Bangladesh and other least developed countries have launched drive to motivate the US congressmen so that they support the bill and get it passed. The government has urged the Bangladeshis living in USA to work in favour of the trade bill. Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA, Humayun Kabir, recently addressed the annual meeting of Triangle Bangladesh Society of North Carolina and urged the community members to mobilise support and meet their local Congressmen and Senators to convince them to cosponsor the bill.

The Ambassador further called upon the community members to work as a bridge to link Bangladesh with global knowledge network and other investment opportunities around the globe.

A group of Bangladeshi North Carolinian's met with the Congressmen-- Dr. David Price, Brad Miller and Bob Etheridge to discuss the bill that focuses on reducing global poverty and provides for an additional trade preference programme for the LDCs.

The Congressmen have been informed that this bill will help fight poverty by creating jobs, particularly for women, and empower them in society while eradicating poverty and promoting democracy. This bill is expected to create a win-win situation for both the United States and the LDCs.

The work of Dr Muhammad Yunus with respect to eradicating poverty in Bangladesh was also discussed during the meetings.

In response to the requests from Bangladesh community the Congressmen suggested that the constituents meet their respective representatives to promote awareness of the bill and engage in fruitful exchange of ideas with a similar sized group.

The Congressmen took a keen interest in the bill. While the meetings were very productive, the group will have a follow up discussion with their Congressmen soon.

Former president of Triangle Bangladesh Society, North Carolina Salim Chowdhury and General Secretary Anwarul Islam Mukul, among others, were working to solicit support.