US appreciates Dhaka's fight against terrorism, corruption

DHAKA, Bangladesh, July 19 (BSS) - The United States has highly
appreciated Bangladesh's initiatives in countering terrorism and
fight in eradicating corruption.

The appreciation came when Home Secretary Abdul Karim called
on US Attorney General Michael Mukasey at his office in
Washington on Thursday (July 17). Deputy Attorney General Bruce
C. Swartz was present during the meeting.

The US attorney general assured the home secretary of
continued assistance for Bangladesh, according to a message
received in Dhaka.

Abdul Karim briefed Michael Mukasey about the ongoing reform
initiatives in Bangladesh under the leadership of the present
caretaker government.

He highlighted judicial reforms and organizational
restructuring of key institutions in Bangladesh.

Appreciating Dhaka's fight against corruption, the US
attorney general said the whole world is appreciative of
Bangladesh's achievement.

Earlier on July 16, the home secretary had a meeting with US
Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher.

Boucher inquired about Dhaka's preparations for the next
polls and reiterated US support for the caretaker government.

He hoped that necessary preparations would be made in due
time for holding a free, fair and credible election in
Bangladesh.

Boucher said the US is actively considering to provide food
assistance to a number of countries, including Bangladesh.

Abdul Karim is presently leading a Bangladesh delegation in
the US to explore avenues of necessary cooperation in
strengthening relations with the US. Bangladesh Bank Deputy
Governor Ziaul Hassan Siddiqui is the other member of the
delegation.

Abdul Karim also had extensive meeting with high officials of
Department of Justice, Department of Treasury, and Department of
State.