Mozena offers words of peace before leaving
Mozena offers words of peace before leaving
The outgoing US ambassador meets Khaleda, Raushan
All political parties in Bangladesh need to use political space peacefully, outgoing US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan W Mozena said yesterday, after his farewell meeting with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence in the capital.
Mozena told reporters that they discussed the important role of the opposition in democracy.
He also said he believed the current US Bangladesh partnership was "stronger, deeper and broader" than ever before. The envoy repeated it thrice.
He said Khaleda shared with him about her recent public meeting in Narayanganj where many people turned up.
Mozena did not take questions from journalists, while there was no briefing on BNP's part. Before that, the US official called on Leader of the Opposition Raushan Ershad at her Gulshan residence, and gave the same observations about the bilateral relations after the meeting.
Following talks with Khaleda, Mozena also shared about his impression on visiting all 64 districts of Bangladesh.
“I shared the lessons I learnt so much....I learnt about the agriculture revolution of Bangladesh, I have seen all those in my eyes,” he said.
Lauding Bangladesh's success in the health sector, particularly in reducing maternal and under-five child mortality rates, he said, “I shared my vision of Bangladesh as Asia's next tiger--Royal Bengal Tiger." The four legs of that tiger are apparel, shoes and finished leather goods, generic pharmaceuticals, and information technology industries, he said.
Mozena was accompanied by his wife.
He said he was leaving Bangladesh with a heavy heart. “I should not say goodbye--we will meet again, 'dekha hobe' (see you again).”
The envoy said he would visit Bangladesh next year to enjoy Bengal classical music festival.
He called Bangladesh and its people "very special".
Mozena said his successor would arrive in Dhaka late January next year while he would leave Bangladesh next week.
He discussed with Raushan Bangladesh's achievement in the areas of health care, family planning, education, and agriculture.
Opposition Chief Whip Tazul Islam told reporters that Mozena said the USA and Bangladesh were at the height of their relations.