US to help Bangladesh in a greater role, says Earl Miller
The US ambassador in Dhaka, Earl R Miller (R), on Sunday said that Washington was eager to help Bangladesh for a greater role both in the regional and the international stages.
The newly appointed US envoy reflected this while meeting with senior journalists of the daily Prothom Alo at its office this morning.
During his maiden trip to the daily, Earl Miller was received by Matiur Rahman, editor of Prothom Alo. Around his hour-long visit, the top US diplomat in town visited sections of the daily before interacting senior journalists.
Dwelling on issue of freedom of press he said that press freedom is vital to democracy. Earl Miller said, "I really focus on the whole issue of press freedom and freedom of expression because I view these as supporting democratic values."
Responding to a query about what tips from his predecessor Marcia Bernicat left him, Earl Miller said, "She was the person that encouraged me to coming to Bangladesh as the US ambassador. She told me that she loved her time here that everywhere she went she was met with nothing but the greatest courtesy and warmth. And I know she is homesick for Dhaka now. She told me something that I've already known and that I do in my entire career -- just get out my out of the embassy once a day and out of the capital once in a week as much as you can. Because it is easy to get trapped as you all know. Bangladesh is not Gulshan or the US Embassy, Bangladesh is the small islands of Rajshahi where the small girl in the video who is crying in happiness because of her good grades and who knows where she will go in the future."
He said, Bangladesh has a very good reputation throughout the State Department. People love serving in Bangladesh and a lot of people return and serve repeated tours here.
Earl Miller said, "How do we help Bangladesh play a larger role in regional and world stage how can we help in its economic development at the same time of its democratic development. And two have to go hand in hand for the betterment of the people of Bangladesh."
Dwelling on the issue of Bangladesh's economic growth in the way of US and China's trade conflict, the US ambassador said, "People say that US is in competition with China. South Asia needs $ 26 trillion investment for infrastructure development. If the investment from China is transparent and open, that is a healthy competition. The United States Indo-Pacific Strategy and vision is not in the competition with China's Belt and Road Initiative. We are looking for see more investment from the US companies to Bangladesh as well as Bangladeshi investment to the US and see private sector growth to drive the economy forward."