Bangladesh diaspora can supplement Government effort to promote interests of Bangladesh abroad: Ambassador Qader

USA NEWS: Akramul Qader, Ambassador of Bangladesh to USA and State Minister has called upon the Bangladesh diaspora to supplement the government’s effort to promote interests of the country abroad. He said this while speaking at a community meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania organized by various organizations on February 18. The Ambassador in his speech specially touched on issues lying with the US administration which have significant implications on the trade and economy of Bangladesh. In this regard, he mentioned the Embassy’s hectic lobbying for duty-free access of  Bangladesh’s ready-made garments in the US market. He also laid stress on the renewal of the GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) facilities to Bangladesh- an LDC, and early passage of the NPTDA(New Partnership for Trade Development Act)2009 bill at the new US  Congress. While underlining on the rationale for the re-introduction of the NPTDA bill, Ambassador Qader maintained that its  passage would also convey a positive message about US commitment to the LDCs.  Ambassador Qader expressed  satisfaction about recent introduction of a bill at the US Senate which aims at extending GSP facilities. He, however, expressed his concern about an amendment  proposed in the bill which will  have detrimental effect on the exports of some beneficiary countries in the US market.  The Ambassador in this regard mentioned about his recent meetings  with some US Congressmen who assured their readiness to help Bangladesh so that  no harmful step is taken. Akramul Qader urged the Bangladesh diaspora especially those having US nationality to play a  more pro-active role in US politics and society which will eventually help them articulate their concerns and  sensitize the administration about Bangladesh’s core issues. Qader also re-iterated full support of the Bangladesh Embassy and its  two Consulates General  to meet the various   needs of the growing community.

Local community leaders also spoke on the occasion who included, among others, Dr Nina Ahmad, Chair, Mayor’s Commission on Asian American Affairs, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed,  Abu Amin Rahman and  Shelly Rahman. They assured to  remain pro-actively engaged  in furthering the interests of Bangladesh, and welcomed the initiative of the Embassy to  unite the diaspora to that direction.

Ambassador Qader replied to various questions following the meeting which was attended by a good number of senior leaders of the Bangladesh  diaspora. Elected Bangladeshi-American Council members were also present. While staying in Philadelphia, the Ambassador also visited the Shahid Minar(mausoleum for martyrs) erected by the local community in Philadelphia to observe the National Martyr’s Day and International Mother Language Day on 21 February. Md. Shameem Ahsan, Deputy Chief of Mission and  M. Shafiqul Islam, Commercial Counselor were also present.