Ties firmest now, Mozena says after meeting with Raushan

Relations between the United States of America and Bangladesh are firmest now, observed US Ambassador Dan W Mozena. The outgoing US envoy made the observation during his meeting with Opposition Leader Begum Raushan Ershad. The meeting took place at Raushan’s residence on Wednesday evening. After the meeting Mozena told reporters that he was proud to be associated with the firmest US-Bangladesh ties so far. He said he hoped the trend would continue. ‘Bangladesh is forging ahead, and will continue to do so,’ Mozena said and described the country’s post-election scenario as being ‘peaceful’. He met Raushan, who became the Leader of the Opposition in the 10th Jatiya Sangsad (parliament) after the Jatiya Party, of which she is a Presidium member, contested the January 5 elections. Mozena, along with his wife, stayed at Raushan’s residence for over 1 hour. Opposition Chief Whip Tajul Islam Choudhury said the polls had not featured in Mozena’s discussions with Raushan. ‘(Mozena) did not utter a word about the election. Today’s meeting proves they have accepted Raushan Ershad as the Leader of the Opposition,’ Choudhury said. Mozena told Raushan that he enjoyed his responsibility in Bangladesh and about his tour of all the districts, according to a news agency.