The United States yesterday again called for selecting a highly qualified managing director for Grameen Bank who will ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the Nobel-winning microcredit lender.

“We have also long noted our strong support for a timely and transparent selection of a highly qualified MD who will ensure the continued integrity and effectiveness of Grameen Bank as an institution,” said US Assistant Secretary of State Robert O Blake.

The new MD will also ensure that the interests of all of its shareholders, particularly women, are protected, he said.

Blake arrived in Dhaka on Saturday on a four-day visit to attend the South Asia Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium.

He said Bangladesh is a natural host for this gathering because the country is an example for the entire world of the positive impact of a vibrant civil society.

“The world has especially been inspired by the work of BRAC and Grameen Bank, which have unleashed the potential of millions of women in Bangladesh and around the world.”

These women not only improved their own livelihoods but also contributed to long-lasting economic growth in their communities and countries, Blake said in his pre-departure press meet at the Westin Dhaka yesterday morning.

He said the US is working with the Bangladesh government to improve labour conditions.

Referring to his meetings with the government, manufacturers and buyers, he said he expressed US condolences for the devastating fire at the factory of Tazreen Fashions.

Mentioning a fire incident in US, he said, “Just over a century ago in New York City, a fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory killed 146 workers and galvanised public support for stronger worker protections.”

That fire was a turning point for the American workers, he said. Blake said, in his meetings he emphasised the hope that Tazreen can be a similar transformative opportunity for Bangladesh to sign on to a better work programme with the International Labour Organisation and International Finance Corporation.

The incident will also pave the way for allowing independent labour unions to be formed, making durable changes to improve workers' safety, and signing a Trade and Investment Cooperation Framework Agreement with the US, Blake said.

“These actions will help Bangladesh brand itself as a country committed to worker rights and worker safety, and thereby attract new investments in its garment and other sectors,” he added.

Bangladesh is demonstrating leadership in developing constructive relationships with its neighbours, working with them to resolve long-standing and complex issues, and developing new areas of mutual cooperation, he said.

After reaching important agreements on boundary issues, Bangladesh doubled exports to India over the past year. As Myanmar opens its borders and markets, he said Bangladesh has made helpful offers of expertise and access to support Myanmar's emergence onto the global economic stage.

The US welcomes these steps towards greater regional connectivity and economic integration. Everyone stands to benefit when ideas, goods, and people move more freely and efficiently across borders, he said.

“The people of Bangladesh are some of the most dynamic and innovative the world has had the privilege to know. Their energy in tackling both the challenges and opportunities facing their nation is an inspiration to so many around the world,” the US official said.

About the symposium, he said the action plan developed here in Dhaka will be used to identify additional investments aimed at promoting women's entrepreneurship and contributing to regional economic growth, peace and stability.

News: The Daily Star/Bangladesh/12-12-12