The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The Untied States will continue its support to the steps undertaken by the government and looking forward for a free, fair and credible poll in Bangladesh following the election roadmap.

Newly appointed US ambassador to Bangladesh James F Moriarty said yesterday while he paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at his office here.

Welcoming warmly the US ambassador at his office, the Chief Adviser said the bilateral relations between Dhaka and Washington are excellent at this moment and it will foster to a new dimension during the tenure of the new ambassador.

The Bangladesh-US relations are based on solid foundation, he said and added both the countries share common values and common approach to various international issues.

Dr Fakhruddin said the US is a large investor in Bangladesh and a major destination of Bangladesh's export trade. Many Bangladeshis are working in the US and contributing in her economy and a good number of students are studying there.

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Non resident Bangladeshis are also contributing in national economy, he added.

The Chief Adviser said the government is committed to hold a free and fair election and the government has implemented various reform measures to create a level playing field.

Dr Fakhruddin said the reform steps are visible and transparent with an aim of establishing a system of holding high standard elections free from the influence of money, muscle and misuse of power.

About holding dialogue with the political parties, the Chief Adviser said the advisers held pre- dialogue with the parties and he has got the feedback.

He said the government is providing necessary assistance to the Election Commission (EC) in line with the election roadmap.

The EC is preparing voter list with photograph across the country and held dialogue with political parties.

Pointing to food production and supply, Dr Fakhruddin said despite repeated floods and cyclone Sidr the farmers of the country have worked hard for bumper productions of boro paddy, wheat, potato, maize and other crops.

He said the government has taken a number of steps including food import as well as procurement from the local market to raise the food stock for ensuring food security.

The government has also distributing rice through open market sale (OMS) and vulnerable group feeding (VGF) to protect the marginal income group, he added.

Referring to the recent call made by US President George W Bush for food aid, the Chief Adviser hoped that the US government will consider Bangladesh while providing food assistance to the international community in the wake of recent global food deficit.

James F Moriarty said the US government will provide 10 million US dollar for rehabilitation of the Sidr victims in the southern region of Bangladesh.

Referring to global food uncertainty, the ambassador said food stock should be raised for ensuring domestic food security.

Bangladesh is successfully facing the challenges one after another, Moriarty said and added that the country is now marching forward to election roadmap.

Secretary to the Chief Adviser's Office Kazi M Aminul Islam and Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim were present during the meeting.