Anti-graft action ups Bangladesh's position, Crowley tells Moeen

Co-Chairman of Bangladesh Caucus in the US Congress Joseph Crowley said on Friday the ongoing anti-corruption drive has brought down Bangladesh's position in the corruption perception index (of Transparency International) from five-time champion, reports US-based news agency News World.
Terming it a landmark in the country's progress, he lauded the caretaker government for it when Bangladesh army chief General Moeen U Ahmed made a courtesy call on him at his office in New York.
Reiterating his support for the anti-corruption drive, Crowley said eradication of corruption is a precondition for democracy and progress.
Mohammad Aminullah, a Bangladeshi-American Democrat, who also attended the meeting said the anti-corruption drive and progress in the election process were main topics of the discussion, and Gen Moeen briefed the congressman about the progress in issuance of voter identity cards.
On the arsenic problem in Bangladesh, Crowley said it is an alarming disaster, and the government needs to play a more active role to address it. He gave assurance of all sorts of US assistance in this regard.
BSS adds: Joseph Crowley also lauded different government initiatives including establishment of an independent election commission and for making a flawless voter list to hold a free and neutral election by implementing the election roadmap.
Gen Moeen also visited Jackson Heights in Queens, a commercial hub dominated by expatriate Bangladeshis. Exchanging greetings with them, the army chief expressed happiness over expansion of their businesses in the area.
The army chief later went to Florida where he was to attend a dinner in his honour Saturday night.