The president said this when outgoing US Ambassador to Bangladesh Patricia A Butenis made a farewell call on him at the Bangabhaban.

He told the envoy that the Election Commission (EC) has taken various measures, including preparing the voter list with photograph, for holding a free and fair election.

The president appreciated the outgoing envoy for her significant contributions towards fostering and furthering greater understanding and cooperation between Bangladesh and the USA during her tenure in Bangladesh.

He said Bangladesh attaches great importance to its relations with the United States and hoped that it would be strengthened further in the days to come.

The president thanked the US government for providing support for Bangladesh's socioeconomic development. He also praised the US government for showing interest to be a Saarc observer.

He wished the envoy and her family good health and every success in her new assignment. He also conveyed his warm greetings to US President George W Bush through the envoy.

Butenis said the existing bilateral relations between the United State and Bangladesh are excellent and it would be further strengthened in the days ahead.

The US envoy expressed her deep gratitude to the government and the people of Bangladesh for providing support and cooperation in discharging her duties in Bangladesh.

Military Secretary to the President Major General Mohd Aminul Karim, Secretary of the President's Office Md Sirajul Islam and officials concerned from both the countries were also present.