Praising the unprecedented development of Bangladesh in the past 15 years led by Sheikh Hasina, Ranking Member of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee and Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chairperson, Congressman Gregory Meeks said there are some questions on democracy and human rights in the US due to undemocratic behaviours by former president Donald Trump. 

He said, “I am always vocal about the human rights situation of the United States (US). Because protecting human rights is important for all countries. We are working relentlessly to integrate democratic organisations. Similarly, democratic organisations will have to be strengthened in Bangladesh by working in a planned way.  The life standard of the people becomes easier if democracy works properly and the way of development also accelerates.”

He said, “Bangladesh has many stories of success. The country has become a middle-income country from poor in the last 15 years. The US is the largest commercial partner of Bangladesh. We have been operating USAID in Bangladesh. We also are observing that Bangladesh is growing, getting stronger and establishing itself as much more important. Bangladesh was economically strong enough during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Describing his experience while performing duties as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (Till 2022), Gregory Meeks said the US’s interest in a permanent and sustainable solution for the Rohingya issue is not becoming effective because of Russia and China. These two countries have been applying their veto power in the UN Security Council over the Rohingya issue.   

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has categorically commitment to holding a free, fair and neutral election in Bangladesh. But the participation of all parties is necessary to make her step effective. Congressman Gregory Meeks said in this matter that election is the only way to form a government choice by the people. That’s why all should cooperate to hold a free, fair and neutral election.

The next election in Bangladesh is also much important for the US. The way of peace and prosperity of people would have to be established by defeating all undemocratic forces in the ballot war, he added.    

Democrat Morshed Alam, chairman of the function, gave a welcome speech while vice chair US Awami League Senior Joint Secretary and Democratic Party’s National Committee member Nizam Chowdhury, Sector Commanders Forum-Liberation War'71 (US) President Freedom Fighter Lablu Ansar and Bangladeshi-American Democrat Front President Khurshed Khandoker, among others, spoke.    

@ The article was published in print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on July 26, 2023, and has been rewritten in English by Golam Rosul.