Bangladesh Should Be Allowed Duty And Quota Free Access In The US Market: US Congresswoman Maloney

‘Bangladesh is a democracy and is fighting against terrorism and extremism…Why you should not be allowed duty and quota free access in the US market,’ Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) said during a meeting with Bangladesh Ambassador Mohammad Ziauddin in New York.

Maloney, also a member of the Bangladesh caucus, assured that she along with other members of the caucus would raise the matter with the US administration so Bangladesh can get the trade preferences in the American market.

During the meeting that lasted more than half an hour at the Congresswoman’s Manhattan office, the Ambassador briefed Maloney on wide range of issues including current political situation in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s zero tolerance against religious extremism, women empowerment, bilateral trade and investment and Bangladesh-US multifaceted cooperation.

Minister (Press) Shamim Ahmad and Counsellor (Political) Nayem Ahmed of the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington were present in the meeting.

The Ambassador said peace and stability prevails in Bangladesh and flow of overseas investment in the country is on the rise. He said Bangladesh is on the threshold of attaining a mid-income economy. He argued that Dhaka deserves the US trade preferences to its export products, particularly Ready Made Garments which would ultimately contribute immensely to the empowerment of women.

Ziauddin said bilateral relations between Dhaka and Washington is broadening and deepening and the two countries have expanded effective cooperation in various fields under Bangladesh-US partnership and security dialogues and TICFA.

On political situation, the Ambassador said Bangladesh held general elections legally and constitutionally ensuring continuation of democratic rule.

He said the government is also pursuing a policy of zero tolerance against all forms of extremism by Jamaat and other religious radical groups many of which got armed training during the Afghan war. He said many friendly countries including the USA are extending cooperation to the government in countering extremism in Bangladesh.

Maloney wanted to know why the government does not get rid of the extremist religious parties. In response, the Ambassador said the government is actively thinking about it.

As the Ambassador narrated the August 15 massacre in 1975 when Bangladesh’s founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujuibur Rahman along with most members of his family were assassinated, Maloney was visibly moved and murmured ‘what a tragic story.’ She repeatedly expressed her desire to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the UNGA session in September.

Maloney also appreciated the Prime Minister’s all out efforts for empowering women economically and politically as a ‘great’ initiative.