Bangladesh needs commitment to democracy and rights: USAID

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power
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Bangladesh’s gains have not been easy, and it will require continued commitment to democracy and human rights amid the pandemic and refugee crisis, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power says.

Samantha Power, who enjoys the rank of a cabinet minister in the US administration of president Joe Biden, made the call in a video message while congratulating Bangladesh for its upcoming graduation from the United Nations’ list of least developed countries.

While reaffirming the US’ support and commitment to Bangladesh, Samantha said, “The resilience and generosity of your people will carry you from this milestone to the next.”

US ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller shared the video on Twitter Sunday.

Samantha described the USA as Bangladesh’s partner in its efforts to improve the lives of the people and unveil opportunities for growth since independence 50 years ago.

She said the two countries invested in lifting farmers from poverty, economically empowering women, and securing the health and safety of Bangladesh’s people.

This work has paid dividends – rice production has tripled since independence; infant mortality has been slashed by two-thirds since 1990 and the national poverty rate cut into half in the last 20 years, Samantha said.