TODAY, I celebrate my one-year anniversary serving as the US ambassador to Bangladesh. In the past year, I have had the honour to visit many places in this beautiful country. I have seen fascinating places throughout Dhaka, as well as in the Sunderbans, Rajshahi, and Cox’s Bazar. I have been privileged to meet Bangladeshis of all ages and from all walks of life. And I have learnt to love shingara, biriyani and mishti doi.
When I think about Bangladesh, an analogy comes to mind. I am riding in a car in which movement down the road represents the passage of time. When I look in the rearview mirror, I am amazed by how far Bangladesh has come in just 51 years. I see a Bangladesh that has made the journey from a country with little more than its independence and pride to a country with one of the world’s fastest growing economies that is on the cusp of graduating from the least developed country status. When I look down the road through the windscreen, I imagine just how far Bangladesh can travel over the next 51 years. Bangladesh has everything it needs to become a prosperous, democratic, developed country in the coming years.
The road ahead is, of course, not flat and straight. It has hills, and turns, and potholes. As with every country, Bangladesh will have to navigate those twists and turns as it takes steps to nourish democracy, improve governance, build institutions, and educate its people.
One important waypoint on Bangladesh’s journey is the upcoming parliamentary elections. The United States does not have a favourite in these elections, but we want to see a free and fair election conducted in accordance with international standards. We want the people of Bangladesh to choose their own government freely. Supporting democracy and promoting respect for individual rights help create a more secure, stable, and prosperous world.
Ensuring free and fair elections is everyone’s responsibility. From the Election Commission to the government, from the media to law enforcement agencies, from civil society to political parties, everyone has an important role to play. If any one of them fails to fulfill their responsibility or if any one of them prevents another from fulfilling their responsibility, free and fair elections would become nearly impossible. It is also important for everyone — demonstrators, political parties, the government, and law enforcement — to respect the rule of law and to refrain from violence, harassment, and intimidation.
Bangladesh will also have to maintain its economic momentum. In the past 20 years, the number of people living below the national poverty line in this country has been cut in half. That proportion represents roughly 40 million people who have risen out of poverty, which is extraordinary. We believe continued progress will be attainable if Bangladesh creates a business climate that is as welcoming as possible to investment.
More companies will look to invest in Bangladesh pending the following reforms:
— Further developing a skilled workforce whose rights are protected;
— Building a legislative framework that supports business;
— Eliminating the hidden taxes of corruption and unnecessary bureaucracy;
— Protecting intellectual property in all its forms; and
— Allowing currency conversion more freely.
These and other economic reforms will encourage more investment into Bangladesh, helping to ensure future prosperity.
Bangladesh and its people are steering this vehicle, and it is you who will determine the direction — and the speed — at which the car travels in the future. The United States has been and will continue to be accompanying you on this journey. We will do everything we can to help you reach your destination.
So, as I begin my second year as the US ambassador to this great country, I look forward to continuing our journey together.
Peter Haas is US ambassador to Bangladesh.
