"I know some argue that Bangladesh is a young struggling democracy, not a mature one, and therefore cannot yet afford what they call the luxury of a free press," Butenis said.

She noted that the hallmark of any mature democratic society is its ability to respect and even encourage competing viewpoints both because it is the right thing to do but also because competition is essential for injecting checks and balances into the marketplace of ideas.

The US ambassador last evening hosted a reception in honour of Bangladeshi journalists in her residence ahead of leaving this country, ending her assignment next month. She is going to join the US mission in Iraq.

While talking about the Bangladeshi press and its role, she specially mentioned the name of The Daily Star for its courage.

"As a diplomat, I am particularly concerned by any indication or perception that a journalist has been penalised because of his or her contacts with legitimate foreign organisations, such as mainstream media outlets or even diplomatic missions," she observed.

Patricia A Butenis was confirmed as the US ambassador to Bangladesh by the Senate on February 16, 2006 and sworn in on March 17, 2006.

"Your presence here tonight is testimony to the value that we as an embassy place on supporting and interacting with the Bangladeshi press, even though we know that some of you promote views on important issues that are at odds with the policies and positions of the US government," she told the editors and senior journalists last night at the reception.