“Bangladeshis will find a way forward. I’m very confident that they’ll…nobody outside has some magic…,” he told reporters at the Foreign Ministry after a meeting with Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque.
Mozena said Bangladesh has many friends and everybody likes Bangladesh. “But you’ll have to show the way (for breaking the standoff). We’ll help.”
Responding to a question on the ongoing violence, the US envoy said violence is not acceptable. “I said that very clearly… it’s not acceptable.”
About the meeting with the Foreign Secretary, Mozena said they discussed security related issues. “We had a very good meeting… we’ve discussed the upcoming security dialogue which will be held in Washington on April 9.”
The US envoy said they also discussed the partnership dialogue to be held here on May 27-28. “We agreed that we’re going to have a private sector component with partnership dialogue.”
The private sector component will focus on energy, renewable energy and traditional energy sectors, he said.
Mozena said the GSP hearing issue also came up for discussion at the meeting. “There were over 150 questions in the hearing held last week. Some other questions might need more comprehensive answers.”
He said the transcript of the hearing would be available probably by the end of this week. “This is a public document. I want Bangladesh make a strong case. It has many good stories to tell.”
Mozena also appreciated the idea of Bangladesh – National Academy of Security Training – on providing training to security personnel of Bangladesh – BGB, Coast Guard, Police, Army and Ansar. “This is a good idea. It’ll boost interconnectivity and talk to each other,” he said.
Mozena also talked about the visit of 7th Fleet Commander, and said he will meet the chiefs of Army, Navy and Coast Guard, and officials of the Home Ministry.
The 7th Fleet Commander will go to Chittagong and visit naval base there.
