BD political parties need to use political space peacefully: Mozena

Outgoing US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan W Mozena Wednesday said political parties in Bangladesh need to use their political space peacefully to strengthen democracy.
 “Of course, the political parties need to use political space peacefully…we discussed the important role that opposition parties play in a democracy,” he told reporters after a farewell meeting with BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence.
 The US envoy said during his hour-long meeting that started at around 5:30 pm with Khaleda he shared his experiences about Bangladesh during his nearly 37 months’ stay here. Mozena said he firmly believes that the current US Bangladesh partnership is stronger, deeper and broader than ever before. He said BNP chairperson Khaleda shared with him her impression from the recent public meeting in Narayanganj where many people turned up, according to a news agency.
 Mozena said he shared about his impression from his tours of all the 64 districts in Bangladesh. “I shared the lessons I learned so much—I learned about agriculture revolution of Bangladesh, I’ve seen all those in my eyes.”
Mentioning that he is leaving Bangladesh with a heavy heart, Mozena said, “I should not say goodbye – we’ll meet again ‘Dekha hobe’ (see you again) because we’ll be back to Bangladesh to see it.” In his brief talks with media an emotional Mozena said: ‘To me Bangladesh is very special place and the people of Bangladesh are very special.”