The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Rajshahi

A three-day America Week hosted by the US Embassy concluded at Parjatan Motel here on Thursday evening with huge turnout.

During the three-day event, US Ambassador James F Moriarty and other Embassy officials met with thousands of people here to highlight the important ties between the people of the US and Bangladesh.

The theme of the year was 'Community' that highlighted how excellent relations between the two countries benefit communities in the countries as well as the global community.

Event featured presentations, outreach programs and site visits showcasing US Government funded programs here.

More than 10,000 visitors attended the events and learned how to study at a US university, apply for US visa, or participate in the US government funded development project.

The embassy also sponsored screenings of critically acclaimed Americans films. Ambassador Moriarty hosted several events for political and business leaders, cultural representatives, educators and other distinguished here.

At the opening dinner, the Ambassador talked about the growing interdependence between people of the two countries. He stated, "Every day we see evidence of our interdependence.

It is apparent in business, in transnational security, in environmental issues, and in many other spheres.

The US is a key partner in spurring the development of Bangladesh. Our open trading system helps budding entrepreneurs turn great ideas into profitable reality.

Our top-notch universities help train the future leaders of Bangladesh. Our development assistance US$5.5 billion since 1971 helps Bangladeshis develop new skills, get the healthcare they need, feed their families, and live in better-governed communities."

In addition to hosting events, Ambassador Moriarty also visited US Government (USG) funded development projects here focusing on health, education and livelihoods.

He also visited the USG supported Smiling Sun Clinic that is a part of the Smiling Sun Franchise Program providing essential maternal and child health care, family planning services, pre and post pregnancy care, treatment for Tuberculosis, and immunization services to more than 20 million people almost 14 percent of the total national population through its network of 320 clinics nationwide.

During his visit, Ambassador Moriarty stressed the importance of cooperation among the government, donors, business organizations, and communities to increase access to high- quality and affordable health services for Bangladeshi citizens, particularly at grassroots level.

Besides, he visited the US$14 million USG supported Modhumita HIV/AIDS Prevention Clinic works with high-risk populations to prevent HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).

The program reaches two million people each year across Bangladesh. This year's America Week coincided with the International Anti-corruption Day, celebrated worldwide on December 9 each year.

Ambassador Moriarty and Anti Corruption Commission Chairman Ghulam Rahman spoke at an event organized by the USG-funded good governance program, Promoting Governance, Accountability, Transparency and Integrity (PROGATI).

The US$18 million program PROGATI focuses on bringing government and citizens together to promote transparency and accountability by strengthening public finance management and oversight mechanisms.

Ambassador Moriarty also visited several other USG-supported education projects. He met with a group of religious leaders participating in the Leaders of Influence (LOI) Program at the local Imam Training Academy.

The Ambassador and religious leaders discussed the role of religious leaders in promoting good governance, advancing human rights and maintaining Bangladesh's tradition of religious tolerance and harmony.