Tuesday, October 7, 2025

End violence for prosperity, says Sherman

Wendy R Sherman, US under secretary for political affairs, has emphasised the need to end election-year violence to bring true prosperity to Bangladesh. “Bangladesh must free itself from this longstanding cycle of election-year violence to truly prosper”, she said in her speech on “A Partnership without Boundaries: US-Bangladesh Relations”, organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel on Monday. The US under secretary also urged international investors not to turn their back on Bangladesh in the wake of tragedies at factories, saying: “The solution is reform, not withdrawal”.
Giving an account of Bangladesh’s successes in different sectors, she said: “This impressive progress is to be applauded. But as a steadfast friend of your country, I must be frank and say that the ultimate success of the Bangladesh story is not guaranteed.”
Sherman said: “My colleagues and I, along with a great many Bangladeshis, have watched with dismay as the streets of Dhaka were shut down by hartal after hartal, by angry demonstration after angry demonstration. I cannot presume to tell the people of Bangladesh or your leaders what issues demand attention, what wrongs must be righted, or what approach your country must take as it faces the grave challenges of the future. In Bangladesh, as in any democracy, this is for the people alone to decide”, she added.
“But speaking as a friend of Bangladesh, I worry about the cycle of violence that shuts down a city of millions on what seems like a daily basis, that dramatically slows Bangladesh’s economic growth, that feeds a political culture that rejects compromise, that breeds fear in minority populations, that brands some citizens and their beliefs less worthy than others, and that radicalises segments of the population”, she observed
Mentioning the Savar and Tazreen tragedies, the US official said: “We need to do all that we can to make sure this doesn’t happen again. We are working together with the government of Bangladesh, the Bangladeshi and American private sectors, labour and civil society groups, our partners in the international community and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora”.
“We are encouraging international investors not to turn their back on Bangladesh, because the solution is reform, not withdrawal”, she added.
Ultimately, Sherman said, success would depend on the will and commitment of the industry, government, civil society and common Bangladeshis to come together to change the culture of workplace safety and worker rights in Bangladesh.
She, however, said that the responsibility for enforcing robust labour standards rested with the government.
“But as your country faces these challenges, its friends stand ready to help. For instance, we are working with American companies that source garments from factories in Bangladesh to secure their support for enhanced safety inspections”, she added.
Sherman said: “We hope that out of grief and the debris of Rana Plaza, out of the ashes and pain of the Tazreen Fashions and Smart factory fires before it, you will be able to chart a new way forward. We hope that you will be able to build a national consensus on how to improve the lives of workers – indeed the lives of all citizens – in Bangladesh.”
She said reforms are important for workers as well as the industry. “They are also critical to restoring Bangladesh’s image in the eyes of the international community.  The success of the Bangladesh story has implications not just for Bangladeshis, but for the entire global community”, she added.
Appreciating Bangladesh’s counter-terrorism efforts, Sherman said: “We have worked hard to disrupt terrorist networks and combat the threat of violent extremism, both in Bangladesh and beyond. We also applaud Bangladesh’s cooperation with India to combat terrorism in both countries, which is helping to keep the entire region, and the world, safer and more secure.”
She described the struggle against violent extremism as a long one. “This is inspired by ordinary Bangladeshis who declare they are proud Muslims, proud Bengalees, and proud citizens of an open and pluralistic democracy,” she said.
The US official was full of praise for BRAC and Grameen Bank, saying that they have served as world models in the fight against poverty and suffering.
About Grameen Bank, she said the US wants Grameen’s independence and effectiveness to continue, so the rights and interests of its women shareholders could be safeguarded.
On the Grameen Bank founder, she said: “We were so pleased to see last month Bangladesh’s native son honoured in the Capitol rotunda by our political leaders in both parties.  Prof. Mohammad Yunus became the first Muslim of any nationality to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award our Congress can bestow.”
Concluding her speech, Sherman said: “I hope I have conveyed to you how much we value our partnership and friendship with Bangladesh, and the pivotal stake we have in your country’s success. There are obstacles along the road, but if the past is any indicator, I am certain Bangladeshis will be able to make the hard choices necessary to not only meet any challenge, but to prosper.  We are here to support you.  We are working to support civil discourse and political bridge-building.  We are engaging US businesses to make sure we are doing all we can to promote safe working conditions in Bangladesh.”
Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque and US Ambassador Dan W Mozena also spoke on the occasion, while BIISS chairman Munshi Faiz Ahmed presided over the programme.
Meanwhile, the second Bangladesh-US Partnership Dialogue concluded in the capital on Monday, reaffirming commitment to further broaden the ties between the two countries.
Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy R Sherman co-chaired the dialogue.
They highlighted the robust and already growing bilateral ties between Bangladesh and the United States and also the relationship based on shared values and common goals of the two countries and their people, said a joint statement issued upon completion of the dialogue.
The co-chairs and their delegations discussed a wide range of topics, including democracy and governance, trade and investment, security cooperation, and regional integration.
During the dialogue, the US under secretary announced creation of a $2 million program, as part of President Obama’s Global Health initiative, to improve the management of deadly tuberculosis disease through the private health sector in Bangladesh, according to a fact sheet provided by the US Embassy in Dhaka.
Funded through USAID, this program will improve the detection and treatment of tuberculosis in private sector hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
Sherman also announced the creation of a new five-year $8 million program, as part of President Obama’s Global Climate Change initiative, to the World Bank to expand the use of solar energy in Bangladesh. Under this Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy II program, USAID is contributing to the installation of solar home systems, power grids, and irrigation pumps.
During the dialogue, Foreign Secretary Shahidul and Under Secretary Sherman announced that Washington and Dhaka are close to finalizing an accord on extention of 2003 Agreement on Scientific and Technological (S&T) Cooperation for another decade, building upon the robust level of S&T collaboration between the two countries under the existing agreement.
Meanwhile, at a joint press conference with Shahidul at the state guest house Meghna, Sherman said that US looked forward to inclusive, free, fair and credible elections in Bangladesh.
Asked about the basis of her optimism about free, fair and inclusive elections, she said, “My optimism based on what Bangladesh has done since independence. Every turn of wheel Bangladesh has
chosen democracy and has chosen to make progress towards a stronger and better democracy.”
During her stay in Dhaka, Sherman also met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni.
She also participated in a roundtable discussion with government, labor, owners and buyers on labor issues in the garment sector.
Wendy Sherman left Dhaka on Monday night.

-With The Independent input

Related News

Poor pay, allowances of teachers affect education

World Teacher’s Day today Shahin Akhter Poor pay-scale and allowances and low social status mark the poor condition of the teachers in Bangladesh affecting the education sector, observed educationists and researchers. They also said that the Bangladeshi teachers were lagging much behind their fellows even in the neighbouring countries in terms of these facilities and ... Read more

Protecting hilsa: 22-day fishing ban begins

News Desk : dhakamirror.com The government has put a 22-day halt on catching, transporting, storing, selling, and marketing hilsa throughout the country. This measure aims to protect the fish during its crucial breeding season. The ban started at midnight yesterday and will last until October 25, as stated in a notification from the Ministry of ... Read more

Road fatalities: 446 crashes, 417 lives lost in September

News Desk : dhakamirror.com In September, a tragic report from the Road Safety Foundation revealed that at least 417 people lost their lives and 682 were injured in 446 road accidents throughout Bangladesh. Among those who died, there were 63 women and 47 children, as highlighted in the foundation’s monthly report released today. In 151 ... Read more

Man’s fatal fall into Ramna Park lake

News Desk : dhakamirror.com A tragic incident occurred yesterday at Ramna Park in the capital, where a man drowned in the lake. The victim has been identified as 55-year-old Wasimul Haq. The police were able to identify him using fingerprint records. According to Ramna police SI Mizanur Rahman, he was discovered unconscious around 6:00 PM ... Read more

Tariff Commission’s size-based hilsa pricing strategy

News Desk : dhakamirror.com The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC), also known as the Tariff Commission, has suggested setting a maximum retail price for hilsa based on its size. This recommendation comes in response to the unusual spike in prices seen in the local market. On Sunday, the Tariff Commission released a report detailing ... Read more

Ekushey Book Fair won’t happen in December

News Desk : dhakamirror.com The Bangla Academy announced yesterday (28 September), that the previously scheduled dates for the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 have been postponed. In a press release, they explained that this decision was made following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 21, which indicated that the fair should ... Read more

Working in Bangladesh is quite challenging: CEC

News Desk : dhakamirror.com The Election Commission is grappling with a mix of challenges, both seen and unseen, as it gears up for the upcoming elections and responds to various demands, shared chief election commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday. “These hurdles might not be apparent from the outside, but we’re constantly navigating through them,” ... Read more

Travel ban on Keokradong hill to be lifted starting from 1 October

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Great news for travelers! Keokradong hill in Bandarban’s Ruma upazila is set to welcome tourists again starting October 1. The district administration has finally lifted the travel ban that had been in effect for almost three years. Bandarban Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shamim Ara Rini announced the decision today (27 September) during ... Read more

Tree planting campaign to lower pollution, make city more attractive

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Shahjahan Mia has inaugurated a tree plantation and greening programme covering 33 road medians, spanning a total length of 31 kilometres, within the corporation’s jurisdiction. Under the “Zero Soil” programme, ornamental flowering trees and grasses will be planted across 28 DSCC medians, while the ... Read more

Krishi Bank ranks third in remittance collection

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Krishi Bank has shown remarkable success in collecting remittances from expatriates during the first eight months of 2025 (January–August). Known as bank for farmers due to its agricultural loan services, this state-owned institution has climbed to the third position in remittance collection from abroad in that timeframe. This notable achievement has ... Read more

North Bay low : Rain forecast for Bangladesh

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Many parts of the country is expected to witness moderate to heavy and very heavy rainfall in the coming days due to the formation of a low-pressure system over the north Bay and adjoining coastal areas, the Met office said in its latest forecast. According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s 120-hour weather ... Read more

Metrorail boosts service: Extended hours & more frequent arrivals

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Dhaka metrorail service is set to start operating earlier in the morning and later at night to better serve the growing number of passengers. Service hours will be extended by 30 minutes at both the beginning and end of the day, and the interval between trains will be reduced by nearly ... Read more

22% minors in Bangladesh’s sex trade

News Desk : dhakamirror.com At least 22 percent of victims of commercial sexual exploitation (abuse of a person, or a minor, through sexual activities in exchange for money, goods, or other benefits) in Bangladesh are children, said speakers at an event yesterday. They shared the information at the launch of “Project Shurakkha”, an initiative of ... Read more

WB Reports Bangladesh Heat Costs at $1.78 Billion in 2024

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Rising temperatures in Bangladesh are fueling a surge in heat-related illnesses, leading to the loss of 250 million workdays in 2024 and economic losses estimated at $1.33–1.78 billion, representing about 0.3 to 0.4 percent of Bangladesh’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, according to a new World Bank report. The report ... Read more

Police clearance no longer required for passports

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced that police verification will no longer be necessary for obtaining a passport, thereby reducing unnecessary hassle for citizens. “Getting a passport is a basic right. We have established a rule that eliminates the need for police verification,” he stated. While speaking at the opening session ... Read more

Metro rail achieves record 4 lakh daily passengers

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Metro Rail has achieved a remarkable milestone by carrying over 400,000 passengers in a single day. The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), which operates the Metro Rail, announced this achievement on their official Facebook page on Friday night. For the first time, Metro Rail recorded 403,164 passengers. The Metro Rail ... Read more

Most people, about 66% think civil servants behave as if they are rulers

News Desk : dhakamirror.com More than 100,000 participants have contributed their responses to reform commission’s online survey 80% of the respondents believe that the administration is not approachable for the general public, according to a survey conducted by the Public Administration Reform Commission. Additionally, 66% of participants feel that civil servants act as if they ... Read more

Former Justice Abdur Rouf dies

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Former Chief Election Commissioner Justice Md Abdur Rouf has passed away at the age of 91. He died around 10:00 am while receiving treatment at Insaf Barakah Kidney and General Hospital in Dhaka, as stated in a press release. Justice Rouf had been battling heart disease, lung complications, kidney issues, and ... Read more

Bangladesh climbed 4 positions to rank 93rd in global passport index

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Bangladesh has climbed four notches up in the latest Henley Passport Index 2025, ranking 93rd out of 99. However, the number of visa-free destinations for Bangladeshi passport holders has dropped from 42 in 2024 to 39 this year, reflecting a decline in global travel privileges. Despite this improvement in rank — ... Read more

BBS Findings show Madaripur most poverty-stricken district, Noakhali least

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Madaripur has the highest poverty rate in the country, with 54.4% of its population living below the upper poverty line. The district’s upazilas are also significantly affected by poverty, with Dasar upazila reporting a poverty rate of 63.2%, as per a survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). BBS ... Read more