I see no change in US-Bangla ties
US engagement with Bangladesh on trade, economic and defence fronts has increased in recent months. In September, the countries signed an open sky deal and held comprehensive economic partnership dialogues. US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun visited Dhaka in October as part of advancing the US-led Indo-Pacific Strategy. President-elect Joe Biden will be in the White House in January. US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Earl R Miller, shared his views on these matters with The Daily Star on November 22.
DS: Will there be any change in US-Bangladesh relations in the coming years as the new administration takes over in January?
Miller: I don't anticipate any major changes. The relationship between the two countries is very strong. It is not only commercial engagement; we work together in the security field, and the people-to-people tie is enduring and powerful. I can only see the relationship building from strength to strength.
I can't say in details… things are still uncertain about what will be in the [next] couple of months. You know democracy is messy and noisy and always imperfect. Any democracy is a struggle, ongoing and imperfect to live up to our founding principles. We will continue to do everything to promote US foreign policy for the best interests of the people of the US and of Bangladesh.
One thing that won't certainly change is the interest in the American private sector for investment in Bangladesh. During my more than two years of time here, I can see much more interest in Bangladesh. I am also encouraging American businesses and trade delegations to come to Dhaka and see what the country has to offer.
One thing that's immensely exciting here is the entrepreneurial energy among the people. In my three decades of experience in foreign service, I would put Bangladesh's business acumen and desire to expand businesses and investment at greater than any country that I have served. You have to come and feel for yourselves and talk to people, especially the young people here, to get that type of buzz here. We are going to see that more, no matter who is in the White House. In the commercial sector, our relationship is going from strength to strength.
DS: Can you specify how the US-led Indo-Pacific Strategy will benefit Bangladesh?
Miller: The US sees Bangladesh as a key partner in this region. We are committed to growing that partnership that is rooted in the development of sustainable and creative solutions to maximise the enormous potential in the region.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, during his recent visit to Sri Lanka, said this vision is not imposing America's will on any nation. It's quite the opposite. As a friend and partner, the US seeks to promote an inclusive approach to national sovereignty, independence, and sustainable development. It's more a call to rally around principles than a request to make alliances.
In a nutshell, the US is seeking to promote market-based economies and an open investment climate, fair and reciprocal trade consistent with international law and principles of fair competition. We also support good governance, rule of law, respect for civil liberties, protection for sovereign maritime rights and the principles of the law of the sea, and most of the shared values that contributed to remarkable growth in the past decade.
We are seeking to partner with all the countries across the Indo-Pacific to support this initiative for the interest of every nation. It's not a counter to the Belt and Road Initiative of China. It's our vision for the region so that we can work for the peaceful and prosperous region. The way we do it is multifaceted. We are already well on our way to work on that vision with Bangladesh.
DS: Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki recently told this newspaper that a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis is part of a free and open Indo-Pacific. What does the US envision as a solution to the Rohingya refugee crisis?
Miller: The US has been the world's most vocal advocate for Myanmar to establish conditions on the ground for peaceful, sustainable and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas [around a million Rohingya refugees who fled a military crackdown in 2017 are living in Cox's Bazar]. We need an international effort to back up that advocacy. We provide humanitarian assistance but also apply pressure on Myanmar. We need Myanmar's neighbours in the region to step up to help us in Geneva, in New York and in their capitals to ensure that Myanmar does the right things so these people in fact can return to their homes.
The Rohingya refugee crisis is one of the US Embassy's top priorities. There is enormous interest back in Washington in what we can do to help Bangladesh, working with the international community to do the right thing for the Rohingyas.
Apart from humanitarian assistance, one of the things that need to be done is to put pressure on Myanmar to take the Rohingyas back. That has to be done with the entire international community coming together to do the right thing because it is a huge burden on the part of Bangladesh.
DS: The longer the refugee crisis continues, is there greater likelihood of a threat to regional peace?
Miller: There are so many issues involved in this crisis and you simply can't keep so many people without the potential of unsettling regional security. There is the risk of increased criminality, increased radicalisation, with the number of young people -- how do they plan for their future? That's a burden that should not be solely on the shoulders of Bangladesh.
DS: How can the US and Bangladesh better collaborate on vaccine accessibility and Covid-19 management?
Miller: I cannot say specifically on vaccine cooperation, but over the last seven to eight months we have been talking to the health ministry and government officials on how to better manage Covid-19. Obviously, we have to continue to do the prudent things like wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining social distancing, but when a proven vaccine is rolled out -- how do you do that strategically? We have the same conversation in the US -- who gets the first tranche of the vaccine? We are having this conversation now but I cannot give you any specific details on that.
It is encouraging that we are close to an effective vaccine. Even when the vaccine is rolled out, we have to continue the prudent measures because it is going in the wrong direction [infections and the death toll due to coronavirus is rising] in the US. We can't simply wait for the vaccine to eliminate the problem.
That's something we are working on with Bangladesh. The US has provided $68.7 million to Bangladesh for Covid-19 management since the outbreak. The US is one of Bangladesh's most enduring partners and we can work together in any way to ensure the health of Bangladeshi people. We are going to work together every way we can and make sure everyone has the healthcare they need.
Comments