US embassy cable - 05DHAKA3073

C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 003073 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/30/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, PHUM, BG 
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PAYS FAREWELL CALL ON PM 
 
 
Classified By: A/DCM D.C. McCullough, reason para 1.4 (b) 
 
1. (C) On June 30, Ambassador Thomas paid his farewell call 
on PM Khaleda Zia.  He was accompanied by EconOff as 
notetaker.  The Ambassador thanked the PM for her continued 
cooperation with USG efforts and for her willingness to meet 
with USG visitors to Dhaka, most recently U/S Burns. He 
conveyed USG appreciation for BDG commitment and "full 
partnership" in the War on Terror.  He applauded her 
administration's development initiatives in critical areas 
like population control, consistent GDP growth, attracting 
foreign investment, making the streets cleaner and safer, and 
investing in infrastructure development with fly-overs in the 
city.  He also highlighted Bangladesh's significant progress 
in the telecommunications sector. 
 
2. (C) The Ambassador expressed respect for the PM's 
leadership and said that he was confident that the BDG would 
do its best to ensure free and fair elections in Bangladesh. 
He offered USG assistance in this regard in any area.  He 
mentioned that USAID's programs continue to grow and thrive 
in Bangladesh and the Peace Corps is increasing its 
volunteers from 70 to 150 in the next year.  He also talked 
about the success of USAID's new TV program "Sisimpur."  The 
Ambassador also mentioned the Embassy's upcoming Bangladesh 
Road Show in the U.S. as another USG effort to further 
positive relations between the two countries. 
 
3. (C) The Ambassador mentioned some upcoming USG visits to 
Bangladesh, including the Peace Corps Director next month. 
He thanked senior cabinet ministers for their cooperation 
with the USG and thanked the PM's principal secretary, Dr. 
Kamal Siddiqui, for his candor and openness with USG 
officials. 
 
4. (C) He applauded the PM and the work of her sister, the 
minister for women's and children's affairs, on human 
trafficking.  He said that BDG's efforts in this area were 
publicly mentioned and appreciated. 
 
5. (C) The PM thanked the Ambassador for his work in 
Bangladesh and hoped the he would continue to serve as an 
advocate for strong US-Bangladesh relations. 
THOMAS