NEW YORK: Appreciating Bangladesh’s achievements in various fields, the United States has said it has kept pressing Bangladesh for a greater political inclusion to ensure a more stable and prosperous future.

“In Bangladesh, we continue to press for greater political inclusion, without which, a more stable and prosperous future is put at risk,” said Nisha Desai Biswal, US Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.

She made assertion while addressing a programme titled ‘US Foreign Policy in South Asia: A Vision for Prosperity and Security’ at the Harvard University in Boston on Wednesday.

Nisha Desai Biswal said one must acknowledge the important gains Bangladesh has made in improving the health, food security and economic opportunity for its citizens.

She said over the past 20 years, USAID has contributed to a reduction in under-five mortality by 60 percent in Bangladesh.

Biswal mentioned that Bangladesh, in particular, stands to develop tremendous commercial ties with the rest of Asia and has begun to break down trade barriers with India.

She also highlighted US’ engagement with Bangladesh in improving labour conditions after the Rana Plaza collapse and Tazreen factory fire.

Regarding the security cooperation, she said US’ security cooperation with both Nepal and Bangladesh has grown over the years, not only on the international peacekeeping front, where both countries are important contributors, but also on border security and counter terrorism.

She added: “In Bangladesh, we’re helping prepare for cyclones and have built over 500 cyclone shelters since 2001. We recently transferred a US Coast Guard cutter to the Bangladeshi Navy which has already played a disaster response role.”

“On the eastern front of South Asia, with the political transition in Myanmar, we also see a historic opportunity to connect South and South East Asia into an integrated economic landscape,” she said.

BDST: 1850 HRS, APR 17, 2014