Bangladeshis should come up with own solution: US envoy

FE Report | Published: February 18, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

US ambassador Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat

New US ambassador Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat has made it clear that the United States does not back any party in the current political situation and wants to work with all Bangladeshis in partnership.
"Let me take this opportunity to say very directly that the United States does not back any particular political force or party in Bangladesh. Our intention is to work with all Bangladeshis, including a government that is receptive to a broader and deeper bilateral relationship with the United States."
Ms Marcia Bernicat's remarks at the American Club yesterday (Tuesday) came during her first press conference since joining office here as the US ambassador. US Press Officer Monica L Shie and Press Chief of the American Centre Marina Yasmin were also present.
The new ambassador expressed her country's concern over the ongoing unrest and violence in Bangladesh and said the United Sates deplores the unconscionable attacks, including bus burnings and train derailments that have killed and wounded so many innocent victims.
She said, "Everyone has a role to play in stopping violence to resolve the differences through non-violent and responsible political expression."
However, answering a question on possibility of any US negotiation, Ms Marcia said the United States is ready to help if requested but added that it is the Bangladeshis to come up with their own solution.
During the press conference, the US envoy answered a wide range of questions on issues including terrorism, extremism and international tribunals against war criminals. She praised the country for its unprecedented success in some sectors including health, poverty reduction and peacekeeping.
The US ambassador arrived here on January 25 and presented her credentials to President Abdul Hamid on February 4 amid ongoing BNP-sponsored blockade. She called on the Prime Minister, the foreign minister and the state minister for foreign affairs.
A career diplomat having 33 years of experience working in various capacities, she was Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Human Resources at the Department of State before her latest assignment. She worked in eight different countries including Africa.
The ambassador said during her tenure, she wants to be engaged with all - political parties, civil society members and business community. "My dream is to help Bangladeshis realise their dream truly … and I want to work on women empowerment and climate change," she added.
The ambassador said the United States has a strategic interest in partnership with Bangladesh and wants to increase economic relationship that is developed based on the single country export, investment, remittances and footprints of US blue chip companies like GE, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Coke and Pepsi.
"Our agenda is broad; so many issues are to be covered", she said adding that creating fully conducive business atmosphere for both Bangladeshi and US business communities and partnership in the readymade garment sectors will be among those.
She praised the country for its coalition with all related organisations including buyers, workers, and international community after the Rana Plaza incident and said there is a remarkable progress in this sector.
The ambassador, however, categorically said the GSP is under the purview of the US Congress but expressed her promise to work really hard to address and continue to make progress on issues of safety of workers, rights and implementation of new labour law.
Ms Marcia said the US wants to support Bangladesh to be a middle-income country that is secure and prosperous, prepared to adapt to climate change and handle natural disasters, with a population that enjoys good health and ample educational opportunities.
"We have so much good work to build on. Our focus now is to look ahead and move the relationship forward. I am eager to work with the government, the opposition, and the civil society on our vital and common interests over the coming years of my tenure," she added.
smunima@yahoo.com