US envoy stresses sharing of techniques to tackle terrorism

International affairs adviser of a US-based international law firm, Frank G Wisner, has emphasised sharing of techniques and best practices between the USA and Bangladesh in facing challenges of terrorism. “We need to share with each other new techniques and best practices. We must continue cooperation regarding terrorism challenges to protect human rights,” said Wisner, international affairs adviser of Squire Patton Boggs.

He was addressing a luncheon meeting on “Reflections on the US-Bangladesh relationship”, organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), at a city hotel yesterday (Thursday).

Moderated by AmCham president Md Nurul Islam, commerce minister Tofail Ahmed and US ambassador Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat addressed the programme.

"I personally believe that Bangladesh will further comply with conditions to have the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) restored. We need strong and active campaign and explanation about compliance,” Wisner said.

Wisner also said it is extremely important to protect human rights for the welfare of the nation and good reputation. He stressed the need for cooperation with each other by keeping the two sides informed about terrorist incidents like the one at the Holey Artisan Bakery.

He appreciated the trade and investment relations between the USA and Bangladesh and wanted it upgraded.

Addressing the programme, Tofail Ahmed offered an economic zone out of 100 for US investors. They will be allowed to take home cent per cent profit and their investment security would be protected by law, he said.

He also said Bangladesh provided over USD 5 billion in customs duty during the last six years, as it has to pay 16 per cent duty which is very high. The commerce minister further said all compliances have been fulfilled to get the GSP.

Tofail said although the GSP was postponed in 2013, exports to the USA have increased remarkably, with the country becoming the single largest export destination of Bangladesh.

US envoy stresses sharing of techniques to tackle terrorism

International affairs adviser of a US-based international law firm, Frank G Wisner, has emphasised sharing of techniques and best practices between the USA and Bangladesh in facing challenges of terrorism. We need to share with each other new techniques and best practices. We must continue cooperation regarding terrorism challenges to protect human rights, said Wisner, international affairs adviser of Squire Patton Boggs. He was addressing a luncheon meeting on Reflections on the US-Bangladesh relationship, organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), at a city hotel yesterday (Thursday). Moderated by AmCham president Md Nurul Islam, commerce minister Tofail Ahmed and US ambassador Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat addressed the programme. I personally believe that Bangladesh will further comply with conditions to have the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) restored. We need strong and active campaign and explanation about compliance, Wisner said. Wisner also said it is extremely important to protect human rights for the welfare of the nation and good reputation. He stressed the need for cooperation with each other by keeping the two sides informed about terrorist incidents like the one at the Holey Artisan Bakery. He appreciated the trade and investment relations between the USA and Bangladesh and wanted it upgraded. Addressing the programme, Tofail Ahmed offered an economic zone out of 100 for US investors. They will be allowed to take home cent per cent profit and their investment security would be protected by law, he said. He also said Bangladesh provided over USD 5 billion in customs duty during the last six years, as it has to pay 16 per cent duty which is very high. The commerce minister further said all compliances have been fulfilled to get the GSP. Tofail said although the GSP was postponed in 2013, exports to the USA have increased remarkably, with the country becoming the single largest export destination of Bangladesh.