An interview of US Ambassador to Bangladesh by the Daily Star

 

‘Democracy, human rights facing alarming challenges across the world’

Miller says before leaving Bangladesh as US ambassador

Fri Jan 21, 2022 12:11 AM Last update on: Fri Jan 21, 2022 12:19 AM

Earl R Miller. Photo: Collected from US Embassy site

 

US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Earl R Miller, is leaving Bangladesh today, after more than three-year tenure in Bangladesh. The global and regional politics, as well as the bilateral relationship, has undergone much change during this time. Miller has shared his views in an exclusive email interview with Porimol Palma of The Daily Star.

DS: During your tenure here, Bangladesh and the whole world went through a lot of challenges, including the coronavirus pandemic, Rohingya crisis, US withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the change in the US presidential administration. All of these had impacted Bangladesh. What are your observations and the lessons that Bangladesh can learn?

Miller: Nations need to work together more closely than ever to address global challenges. Alliances are to be treasured, not as burdensome relics, or  even commercial endeavors, but as a web of bonds, of values, of  influence, whose collective value far exceeds that of each party. The Covid pandemic, Rohingya and other refugee crises, climate change, terrorism, military buildups that threaten neighbors, all remind us how interconnected and interdependent we are on this vulnerable planet we  are responsible to share and protect together. I'm proud of the US- Bangladeshi partnership and our work together the past three years on these global issues as well as on development, economic growth, and security.

DS: In the last weeks of your tenure here, the United States took some measures on Bangladesh. It slapped sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion and seven of its current and former top officials. Bangladeshi authorities found it quite surprising, given the fact that both the countries have very strong ties, and that Washington could have consulted Dhaka before the sanctions. Please tell me what message the United States is actually sending to Bangladesh? Foreign Minister Momen also wrote to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken requesting to reconsider the sanction. What's Washington's stance now?

Miller: President Biden's message is clear: Human rights are at the center of US foreign policy. US diplomacy will champion freedom, equality, opportunity, and a belief in the universal rights of all people. We are committed to promoting accountability for violations and abuses of human rights, no matter where or when they occur the world over. The United States deeply values our friendship with Bangladesh, and we believe shared commitments to democracy, human rights and rule of law form the foundation of powerful partnerships.

DS: Earlier, the Biden administration also dropped Bangladesh from its invitation list to the Democracy Summit. This was found even more surprising by the authorities in Bangladesh. Can we learn of the factors that worked behind the United States to not invite Bangladesh? And, what suggestions would you offer?

Miller: In December, President Biden hosted the first of two Summits for Democracy. He brought together leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector to set an agenda for democratic renewal and to tackle the greatest threats democracies face today. The United States reached out to a regionally diverse set of democracies whose progress and commitments will advance a more just and peaceful world. The goals of the Summit were to build momentum for democratic reform and to demonstrate that democracies deliver.

President Biden has called for 2022 to be a year of action, for all democracies to improve governance. We will continue engaging with Summit participants and other governments around the world, including Bangladesh, to address democratic backsliding, promote respect for human rights, and defend against corruption both at home and abroad—whether that work occurs within or outside of the Summit framework.

My suggestion would be that our governments continue to have honest and direct conversations on these issues. Upcoming bilateral dialogues and senior officials' visits are important opportunities to do so. I think it speaks to the strength of our relationship that the United States and Bangladesh can have these candid discussions while still strengthening our close partnership.

DS: With much of the world's countries sliding towards autocratic leadership, the Biden administration is trying to promote democracy. How feasible is it when the United States is facing a democratic deficit within its own territory?

Miller: As I said in my first press conference in November 2018 and throughout my time in Bangladesh, the story of every democratic nation, including my own, is the striving, ongoing and imperfect, to live up to its founding ideals and principles. Democracy and universal human rights are facing sustained and alarming challenges around the world. President Biden feels strongly about this issue. He has noted democracy does not happen by accident. We must renew it with each generation. And that renewal is an urgent matter on all our parts.

As I was telling a journalist last week, in our history, even our very recent history, the United States has at times struggled with democracy and good governance. The United States has a magnificent system of government, of checks and balances, devised by geniuses, in my view. But it's not perfect and infallible and we don't claim it is. But as a friend, the United States can share our experiences working, always working, to form a more perfect union. Let's lock arms and reaffirm our shared commitment to make our democracies better, to share ideas and learn from each other. As partners, let's do so.

DS: The United States has been a part of the Quad, an alliance perceived as a measure to counter China. There are perceptions that the United States also wants Bangladesh to be part of this dialogue. We would like to hear details from you.

Miller: US engagement in the Indo-Pacific is not against any one country, nor is it designed to make anyone choose between countries. Instead, our engagement is about advancing an optimistic vision we have for our participation and partnership in this region. Bangladesh is, of course, a key partner in the success of US engagement in the region. China is a competitor, not an enemy. We welcome contributions by the PRC to regional development, so long as China adheres to the highest standards the people of the region demand and deserve, including in areas such as transparency in bidding on and awarding contracts, rule of law, and sustainable financing.

DS: In addition to the US-led IPS Strategy, there is the new defense deal by Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS) that was signed late last year. That means there are a lot of things going around the Indo-Pacific. What does the United States want from Bangladesh, which is an important country along the Indo-Pacific? How can Bangladesh also contribute to regional peace and development in the Indo-Pacific region?

Miller: A free and open Indo-Pacific region is critical to the security and prosperity of the American people and for our allies and partners. AUKUS will help defend our shared interests in the region for generations. It demonstrates US commitment to revitalizing our alliances and strengthening them. Moreover, we are reaching out to our existing partners, like Bangladesh, in new ways and amplifying our ability to collaborate.

One strong example of our collaboration is counterterrorism. Since 2016, Bangladesh has participated in the US Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund, which enables Bangladesh and the United States to expand our bilateral counterterrorism partnership. We now work together to respond to evolving radicalization and terrorist threats, improve partnerships between our civilian-led counterterrorism elements, and address the conditions that give rise to extremism.

DS: The United States has looked at Bangladesh, mostly through the prism of India, in South Asia so long. Is that view changing now? If yes, why and how?

Miller: The United States does not look at Bangladesh nor any other country through the lens of another. Bangladesh, the eighth largest country in the world, is our important and valued partner in its own right. Bangladesh is playing an increasingly vital leadership role on the regional and global stage including on issues like peacekeeping and climate change. The US – Bangladesh partnership is indispensable not only for the future prosperity and security of both our nations but in addressing the global challenges of the twenty-first century.

DS: Bangladesh maintains a balanced diplomatic view. It has a good relationship with the United States, China, India, Japan, and Russia. As the United States is now emphasizing democracy and human rights and there are heightened tensions between the US vs China and US vs Russia, does it have any implications on Bangladesh?

Miller: In a word, no. Again, we engage with Bangladesh directly, not through the lens of other countries.

DS: Myanmar is accused of Rohingya genocide, its junta is now in charge of the country, and its human rights record is worse. The United States has taken a number of measures against Myanmar, but not termed the Rohingya genocide a "genocide." Is the Biden administration considering anything like this? What more US actions against Myanmar are in the offing?

Miller: This has been one of my top priorities as ambassador. Nowhere is Bangladesh's generous spirit more evident than through this nation's continued hosting of over 900,000 Rohingya refugees. The United States is deeply appreciative of the generosity and humanity of the Bangladesh government and people, who opened their borders and hearts to a Rohingya community that has suffered greatly. You are an example to the world.

The United States is the leading contributor, by far, of humanitarian assistance in response to the crisis. We have provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance since the beginning of the crisis in August 2017.

Much of that assistance is for the more than 472,000 affected members of host communities in Bangladesh. Of the nearly $180 million in additional humanitarian assistance announced in September 2021, $158 million is for programs in Bangladesh. We continue to call for other nations to join in contributing to this humanitarian response and putting pressure on Burma to address this crisis.

Recent developments in Burma pose serious challenges for what the United States has called for since the beginning of the crisis: the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons and accountability for those responsible for crimes against this vulnerable population.

The root causes of displacement have not been addressed and many of those who led the military coup in Burma are the same individuals largely responsible for atrocities against the Rohingya. We commend Bangladesh for continuing to protect this persecuted community, particularly at this time of increased risk to them. On the genocide determination, I can tell you there is currently an internal, high-level discussion on the issue at the State Department.

DS: What are the areas where the US-Bangladesh relationship will have focus and why?

Miller: The US will work with Bangladesh on Indo-Pacific and global security, including through our cooperation on peacekeeping. We will work together on trade, investment and commerce for sustainable and broadly shared economic prosperity that opens new markets for American businesses and opportunities for Bangladesh as it graduates from Least Developed Country status. The US will work with Bangladesh as we promote democracy, good governance, and respect for human rights.

We will help Bangladesh become a healthier, better educated, more food secure and climate resilient middle-income country that partners with the United States. We look to cooperate with Bangladesh on addressing climate change and supporting this nation's laudable leadership among climate-vulnerable countries. We will help Bangladesh address the Rohingya refugee crisis. And we will continue to build on our people-to-people ties. Thousands of Bangladeshi students study at US universities. In fact, Bangladesh is now fourteenth on the list of countries with students studying in the United States.

DS: As you leave Bangladesh, how would you keep supporting the country?

Miller: During my 35 years in the Foreign Service, I've never served in a country where former American ambassadors stay so engaged after their departure. Four former US ambassadors to Bangladesh attended my swearing in ceremony at the State Department in 2018, and we—and several other former ambassadors—stayed in close contact throughout my assignment. I intend to do the same, with the permission of the new ambassador. While I am finishing my time as an ambassador to Bangladesh, I will always be an ambassador for Bangladesh.

DS: What memories during your stay in Bangladesh would be cherished?

Miller: The colors of the rickshaws and the faces of the drivers. The rooftops of Old Dhaka and the kites, those dancing on a string and the birds in the evening sky. Children in school uniforms walking home on a village road. The ship-filled rivers of Chittagong. The moon boats of Cox's Bazar, the most beautiful boats in the world. The dark green hills of Sylhet and iridescent green of Barishal. Morning mist on the mountains of Bandarban and mangroves of the Sundarbans.

I told the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina I would visit all eight divisions of Bangladesh during my first eight months. I was so lucky to do so. Lucky to meet so many people of this great country, to experience a warmth and graciousness and generosity of spirit I think uniquely Bangladeshi. I will treasure the memory of the kindness and grace of the people of Bangladesh. I depart with a heart filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be such a privileged guest in this extraordinary country.

DS: Any final thing that you would like to say?

Miler: The relationship between the United States and Bangladesh is strong and will grow stronger. This year we will celebrate our 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. For the past five decades America has been this country's biggest supporter, biggest fan, most reliable and dependable partner and friend.

Since this country's independence the United States has provided over eight billion dollars in development assistance. We contribute more than $200 million a year in assistance. Bangladesh has the largest USAID program in Asia. We rush to our friend's aid after typhoons and floods. We battle Covid together, and the American people have donated, free, over 28 million vaccine doses and over $121 million in other public health support.

Our two great nations have so much in common, from our historic struggles for independence to our innumerable and unbreakable people to people to people ties and bonds of affection. Like all friends, we don't always see eye to eye. When we don't, our relationship is strong and mature enough to have honest conversations, engage, address and move forward.

It has been one of the great honors and joys of my life to serve as US Ambassador to Bangladesh over the last three years. There is nowhere I would rather serve as an American ambassador.

As Senator Edward Kennedy said at Dhaka University in 1972, the real foreign policy of America is citizen to citizen, friend to friend, people to people. I hope I contributed in some small way to strengthening our friend-to-friend bonds.

I have a favor to ask. When Ambassador Haas arrives, please show him the same warm welcome, kindness and support you extended to me and my family.