Obama hails US troops' 'progress' in Afghanistan

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Officers and employees of the department held a sit-in programme at the Audit Bhaban demanding the appointment of Comptroller General of Accounts from BCS (Audit and Accounts cadre) at Kakrail in the city Tuesday. — Banglar Chokh

KABUL, Dec. 4 (agencies): US President Barack Obama told US troops Friday in the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan that progress has been made in Afghanistan but slow.
At the beginning of his speech, Obama expressed his gratitudes for US troops here on behalf of the US government.
Obama said progress in Afghanistan has been made but slow, nevertheless, the US paid a high price.
However, he said that "your mission matters," the US soldiers will bring down the Taliban's momentum.
Another report adds: President Barack Obama has told US troops in Afghanistan they are making crucial "progress" against insurgents.
During an unannounced visit to Bagram air base near Kabul, Mr Obama said: "Today we can be proud that there are fewer areas under Taliban control."
He also spoke to President Hamid Karzai for about 15 minutes by telephone.
The visit comes a year after Mr Obama ordered a troop "surge" in Afghanistan, but weeks after a Pentagon report found violence there at an all-time high.
The US president's national security team is to report on the new strategy later this month.
Mr Obama's trip to Afghanistan comes about one year after he announced at West Point Military Academy the US would strengthen combat troops in Afghanistan with 30,000 reinforcements.
Mr Obama flew to Bagram air base to thank US soldiers for their service during the American holiday season.
He also said he was looking forward to "a new phase next year, the beginning of transition to Afghan responsibility".
Bad weather prevented him from travelling to Kabul, forcing the two men to speak via telephone, the White House said.
There has been increasing tension between the US and its Afghan allies.
Mr Karzai has complained about American military tactics, and criticised the decision to start withdrawing US troops in July next year.