Solution to crisis exists within Bangladesh

US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat yesterday said the solution to the ongoing political crisis exists within Bangladesh, and mentioned that foreign friends, including her country, are ready to help if requested.

"…the solution and the means for addressing the political differences that exist here are for Bangladeshis to come up with… I have every hope Bangladesh will find a way forward," she told a press conference at the American Club in the capital. 

Responding to a volley of questions, the US envoy said, "We stand ready to help if that help is requested since Bangladesh's friends are concerned over the current political situation."

In her first press conference since arriving in Dhaka on January 25, Bernicat said she had focused on the "broader and deeper" Washington-Dhaka ties and was to "look ahead and move the relationship forward".

The new US ambassador presented her credentials to President Abdul Hamid on February 4 and paid her first call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on February 15.

Responding to another question about the US government's current position on January 5, 2014 election, which she termed "undeniably flawed" during her hearing in the US Senate,  Bernicat said the US government's views on the election "is well known and it is on the record. What I want to emphasise is our intent to move forward with our bilateral relationship".

In her written statement, she said the US does not back any particular political party but will work with everyone in Bangladesh.

"Our intention is to work with all Bangladeshis, including a government that is receptive to a broader and deeper bilateral relationship with the United States," her statement added.

The US envoy condemned the use of violence for political objectives in the strongest term in her statement and said, "There is simply no justification for such actions in a democratic Bangladesh."

Responding to a question, she said when violence takes place, it causes injury and deaths, creates all kinds of instability. "People can't travel, can't work and it disrupts life," she said.

Bernicat said the US strongly believes that Bangladesh is a democratic country. "I heard a wonderful thing when I was in Washington… somebody characterised Bangladeshi people as having democracy in their very DNA."

"I thought that was a very truthful way to characterise. I think we have that in common," she said, adding, "This is a democratic society and there are many means by which people can address these [political] issues."

She hoped Bangladeshis would use that "space created by democratic process to address all the issues in a peaceful manner that allows everyone to express their views".

Mentioning that the US-Bangladesh relationship is one of America's most important partnerships, she said, "I am eager to work with the government, the opposition, and civil society on our vital and common interests over the coming years of my tenure."

Referring to her meeting with Hasina, a questioner asked whether the democracy in Bangladesh is endangered. Bernicat in her answer said the prime minister and she talked about wide range of issues including progress that Bangladesh made in so many areas.

"We will work together to strengthen the democracy and democratic institutions," she added.

On the war crimes trial, the US envoy said they wish to see strong rule of law prevail in Bangladesh. "Our desire is to help Bangladesh strengthen its rule of law, make sure that this process is transparent and they are fair according to your law."