DHAKA: Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, USA ambassador-designate to Dhaka, on Thursday said she would ‘work hard to strengthen human rights and democracy in Bangladesh.”

Bernicat came up with the remarks during her testimony before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

She said, “The strong United States-Bangladesh relationship allows us to discuss our differences, when they occur, in a spirit of candor and openness. In this context, we have noted the US remains concerned about recent trends in democracy and human rights in Bangladesh.”
 
“We remain gravely concerned about attacks on religious and ethnic minorities, political violence, and extrajudicial killings allegedly committed by security forces. I will work hard to support efforts to promote accountability and strengthen human rights and democracy in Bangladesh,” Bernicat said.

She also vowed to actively work on labor rights and workplace safety in Bangladesh as theses issues remain a top U.S. priority.

 “With support from the United States and other international partners, Bangladesh has begun to make progress in transforming its garment sector. I pledge that I will actively further our efforts to strengthen respect for labor rights and to improve workplace safety in Bangladesh, she said.

On May 22, US President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Marcia S. Bernicat as the next US Ambassador to Bangladesh.

Marcia, who is currently Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Human Resources at the Department of State since 2012, will succeed incumbent Ambassador Dan W Mozena.

BDST: 1113 HRS, JULY 18, 2014

** Full text of Marcia S. Bernicat