Thomas indicated this as he called on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her office in the afternoon.

The US envoy lauded the present government's reform measures as well as the bold steps for boosting the economy and development activities.

The prime minister briefed him about her government's priority projects, particularly education for girls, rural electrification, welfare of women and children, providing safe drinking water and protecting the environment.

Referring to the importance given by her government to the education sector, she said Primary and Mass Education Division has been turned into a ministry.

The prime minister referred to her government's major programme to provide free education to girls up to class XII and sought US assistance for further expansion of the programme.

The US envoy assured her of all possible cooperation in these sectors and described the present US-Bangladesh relation as excellent.

He recalled the brief visit of US Foreign Secretary Colin Powell and extended his greetings to the prime minister.

Thomas also congratulated the prime minister on the victory of her party candidate in Netrakona by-election.