US assistance

Last week in your op-ed, Ms. Geeta Pasi wrote with the above heading on the commitment of the USA and its people to standing by the people of Bangladesh all the time. It surely is appreciated with the immediate reaction of the USA to send the Marines to assist our hurricane-affected people. The immediate need of those people is always fresh water and we had seen that after the 1991 natural disaster the US marines undertook 'Operation Sea Angel', doing an excellent job delivering purified water, foods and medicines. At that time the Marines did a great job and were highly appreciated although when they first arrived there was a lot of hesitation and suspicion as it is now. I personally feel they should be welcomed (as I did back in 1991) and appreciated for their humanitarian duty but of course it should be all very transparent.
The USA and Bangladesh have a lot in common, especially the spirit of freedom is a cord that binds us together. The 1775 Revolution and our Liberation War bind the two peoples together in our struggle for freedom and liberty. That is why in 1971 even when the Nixon Administration was against us, the US people and the media gave 100% support to our cause. We have seen that in 1971 many from the State Department supported our cause and even sent letters of protest.
The US aid and other development support to Bangladesh had been substantial from the very beginning and this collaboration can be beneficial for both if we deal with each other as equals. In the future, the USA can be our partner in development, trade and the democratic process.