Administrator of USAID expresses 'concern' over grenade probe

Visiting USAID administrator Andrew S Natsios yesterday met Leader of the Opposition and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina and expressed concern over probing the August 21 assassination attempt on her.

"The USAID chief termed the judicial probe body's report, which has linked foreign forces to the attack, totally irresponsible," said a meeting source seeking anonymity.

After the over an hour-long meeting at Hasina's Sudha Sadan residence, Natsios told reporters, "We've discussed the assassination attempt on her and are concerned about the investigation."

"Issues including rise in crimes, threat to democracy and corruption hindering development were also discussed," Natsios added.

He said the US is neutral and will not be a party in Bangladesh, adding, "We're in favour of democracy."

US Ambassador in Dhaka Harry K Thomas and USAID Country Director Gene V George accompanied Natsios, while AL leaders Kazi Zafarullah, Saber Hossain Chowdhury and Syed Abul Hossain were present.

The AL side told the US delegate the government is killing its political opponents sensing defeat in the next general elections.

"We've discussed the necessity of reforms of polling system in Bangladesh to ensure free and fair balloting," Saber, also Hasina's political secretary, told the reporters. He, however, did not give details about the reforms.

On the US side's concern over the August 21 carnage, he said, "They want a fair enquiry into the incident and assured us of their continuing effort to this end."