Democracy, dev go hand in hand

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat yesterday said making a comparison between democracy and development is not right because they are closely connected.

“I think the two go hand in hand,” she said at a press conference at a hotel in the capital.

“I think it is a false comparison to say that you can consciously decide to go for one over the other and make the overall progress Bangladesh has made and deserves,” she said.

The ambassador made the comments while speaking at a media briefing organised to announce the 25th “US Trade Show 2018” that begins at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel tomorrow.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh and the US embassy are organising the annual event.

“I think a well-functioning democracy needs the both [democracy and development]. I don't think you can have the trade-off of one for the other.”