The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Rangpur

US Ambassador James F Moriarty yesterday said elections under the state of emergency would not be "that much acceptable" as expected.

His statement came at a time while major political forces have repeatedly been demanding withdrawal of the emergency rule in the run up to the next elections, expected to be held in December as per the repeated promises by the military-backed caretaker administration.

Talking to reporters after addressing the inaugural ceremony of a joint medical exercise, styled "Medical and Dental Civic Action Programme -2008" in the district, the envoy briefly said that his country would continue to assist Bangladesh for democratic advancement.

He also expressed his hope that the Election Commission would be able to hold the elections in line with its roadmap.

Bangladesh Army and US Marine Corps Medical team jointly organised the 10-day exercise, which will be conducted in three phases. A total of 51 participants, 25 from Bangladesh Army and 26 from US Marine Corps Medical team, have joined the practice.

Speaking to the opening session of the exercise, the diplomat said that it would help expand the traditional close cooperation between the US and Bangladesh militaries.

He further stated that medical personnel from the US Navy and Marines and the Bangladesh Army Medical Directorate would provide free basic medical and dental care to Bangladeshis living in the district over the next several days.

The exercise has provided a wonderful forum for Americans to share information and ideas with the Bangladeshi military on medical issues, the Ambassador said, adding that some 1,000 people would receive medical help each day.

One immediate goal of the exercise is to increase the interoperability between the military medical departments of the Bangladesh Army and the USA, he added.

"We hope that the exercise will pave the way for further medical discussions between the US and Bangladeshi militaries and for future exercises similar to this one," said the US envoy.

He said the exercise is an example of the productive and mutually beneficial relationship between the two nations.

James F Moriarty mentioned that over the last 37 years, personnel from the US military, USAID and the State Department have worked hand-in-hand with their Bangladeshi counterparts on a wide range of important issues.

Whether developing critical infrastructure, improving the lives of ordinary, citizens or helping recover from national disaster, such as last year's devastating cyclone, the US has sought to provide support and exercise, he said.

"The US stands ready to assist Bangladesh in facilitating democratic governance, prosperity and stability," he said.

Later, he visited Dhat Satgara Baitul Mokarram Madrassa in Taraganj upazila where he encouraged the new voters to exercise their voting rights.