United States Ambassador-designate to Bangladesh Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat has described the January 5 general elections in Bangladesh as 'undeniably flawed'.
Giving her testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations here on Thursday, Bernicat, who is currently Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of Human Resources at the Department of State, said Washington remains concerned about recent trends in democracy and human rights in Bangladesh.
She said political parties in Bangladesh urgently need to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure a more representative government.
Bernicat said that if she was confirmed as U.S. envoy to Bangladesh, she would work hard to support efforts to promote accountability and strengthen human rights and democracy in Bangladesh.
The Daily Star quoted her, as saying, "If confirmed, I'll work with the government, civil society and Bangladeshis of all walks of life to ensure an environment that encourages the broadest and fairest participation."
She further said: "We'll also continue to support the right of impressive Bangladeshi civil society organizations to operate independently and to express their views openly, recognising that such institutions play an important role in any flourishing democracy."
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"The most serious responsibility of any Chief of Mission is to ensure the safety and security of our staff abroad," she mentioned.
If confirmed, Bernicat will succeed incumbent Ambassador Dan W Mozena.
