Bangladesh Ambassador Ziauddin meets Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

UsaNewsOnline : Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States, Mohammad Ziauddin, met the Congressman Edward Randall “Ed” Royce who is currently the Chairman of the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs at the Capitol Hill, 19 November.

Congressman Ed Royce and the Bangladesh Ambassador discussed among others, various phenomenon of terrorism and radicalism facing the world. They discussed about the linkages between the political parties operating in the name of religion and extremist offshoots around the world, source of funds and activities. Congressman Royce suggested that if required, countries should enact adequate laws to confiscate the institutions which generate funds for radical parties.

Ambassador Ziauddin explained the context of the rehabilitation of the anti-liberation and radical forces in the post 1975 scenario following the brutal murder of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman. He also informed about government’s firm position against terrorism and religious extremism. Ambassador said that present Government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina vowed “0” tolerance against any form of extremism and terrorism. Bangladesh is working closely with its neighbors, the United States and other friendly countries to eliminate terrorism and extremism, he added.

Ambassador Ziauddin said that Bangladesh has been implementing the US Action Plan to ensure worker’s rights and safety in RMG sector. He said that significant progress has already been made in this sector. Government is steadfast to ensure the labour rights and safety in RMG sector to make the industry productive and sustainable.  In this respect Ambassador Ziauddin urged the Congressman to reinstate the GSP for Bangladesh; Congressman Ed Royce said that he will look into the matter.

Bangladesh Ambassador stated that the United States is a major destination for Bangladeshi products mainly RMG, receiving nearly a fourth of Bangladesh’s total exports. Bangladesh apparels are subjected to high tariff in the United States as opposed to zero tariffs to almost all other least developed countries in the world. Ambassador Ziauddin urged the United States to grant preferential market access (duty free and quota free) for Bangladeshi products as accorded to other developing countries of the Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean.

Congresswoman Ed Royce welcomed the new Ambassador and assured him all necessary cooperation during his stay in the United States. Counsellor Political Nayem Uddin Ahmed of the Embassy accompanied the Ambassador during the meeting.