Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 1022 Tue. April 17, 2007  
   
Front Page


US happy with CG actions
Envoy tells CA


US Ambassador Patricia Butenis has appreciated Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed's address to the nation, particularly for mentioning a timeframe for holding the general election, and said the US government is satisfied with the caretaker government's performance.

The US envoy made the remarks when she paid a courtesy call on the chief adviser at his office yesterday afternoon.

She noted that the Election Commission is carrying out its jobs, including electoral reforms, as per its commitment.

"We are pleased with the activities of the Election Commission and have offered assistance to this organisation," the envoy said.

She said the US government is observing the caretaker government's activities positively.

She observed if a new Bangladesh ambassador to Washington is appointed, the bilateral cooperation will be further enhanced.

Responding to her, the chief adviser said the Election Commission needs logistic support, and a coordinated cooperation of the development partners will be helpful.

The CA said task of the Election Commission towards holding elections and the government's other activities, including keeping wheels of the economy moving, will go simultaneously.

Appreciating a number of pragmatic initiatives and actions, the US envoy said the caretaker government has attained a lot of achievements in a short time and is enjoying tremendous popular support.

Citing a survey carried out by the US Coast Guard, Butenis said the Chittagong seaport is now working properly as clockwise which is laudable.

She also mentioned the celebration of Pahela Baishakh, the first day Bangla new year, amidst huge participation of people from all walks of life in a jubilant mood, which reflected the prevailing sound and secure environment.

The envoy also appreciated the government's good handling of avian influenza (bird flu) through cooperation of WHO and USA.

On anti-corruption drive, Butenis said they are in touch with the Anti-Corruption Commission and have offered help, particularly in training affairs.

The chief adviser informed Butenis about his meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Richard Boucher in New Delhi on the sidelines of the recently held 14th Saarc Summit.