US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat on Thursday appreciated Bangladesh’s graduation from the low-income status to lower middle-income nation (LMIC) terming it as an ‘extraordinary progress.’
She made the remark while talking journalists after a meeting with Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali at his ministry office.
Bangladesh on Wednesday graduated from the low-income status to lower middle-income nation (LMIC), meeting the World Bank’s requirements comfortably.
This is seen as a massive leap forward for the country to become a middle-income nation after being bracketed as a low-income country for decades. On political issue, Bernicat said their position remained the same after the January-5 elections and laid emphasis on resolving political differences through debates ensuring political and democratic space for all.
Terming the month as a month of reflection, the US diplomat said a lot of thinking is going on which she thinks is a very ‘good thing’.
The US envoy appreciated Bangladesh’s progress in various areas saying, “We’re so grateful for the role Bangladesh played in various areas, including fighting against human trafficking.” She also discussed with the Foreign Minister how they can work together in the days to come. The US Ambassador discussed readymade garment issues and workers rights, and mentioned that there has been progress in many areas. “We’ re looking for progress not only in safety areas but also workers rights and freedom of their association, and the government is committed towards that.”
About development issues, Bernicat said both the countries have a number of ongoing programmes in various areas, including on strengthening democratic institutions. Responding to a question on US Secretary of State’s Bangladesh visit, the US Ambassador said they are pursuing for it but there is nothing new on that front.
Going into further, the envoy smiled and told the reporters, “Keep asking.”
