Former US diplomats William B. Milam and Jon F. Danilowicz discussed Bangladesh’s transition to democracy and US diplomatic ties. They acknowledged past missteps, including US actions during the 1971 Liberation War and the 2011 political crisis. They emphasized the need for accountability, stability, and a national “Bangladesh First” policy while warning of challenges in the information war.

On Saturday, former United States Ambassador to Bangladesh, William B. Milam, emphasized that societies can successfully navigate from autocracy to democracy, drawing from his extensive writings on Bangladesh’s democratic struggles. He acknowledged the difficulties in obtaining reliable information while operating in a diplomatic role and highlighted the intricacies of diplomacy in challenging environments.

Milam’s reflections on US foreign policy changes pointed out a marked shift during the Trump administration, complicating future diplomatic engagements with Bangladesh. His remarks were echoed by former US diplomat Jon F. Danilowicz, who acknowledged the historical ties between the US and Bangladesh, while also recognizing significant past errors, particularly during the 1971 Liberation War.

Danilowicz stressed the importance of political accountability within Bangladesh’s governance structure, recognizing the military’s contribution to maintaining stability in an often precarious civil administration. He further remarked on Bangladesh’s current challenges, indicating that the nation is losing ground in an ongoing information war.

Additionally, Danilowicz criticized US intervention during Bangladesh’s 1/11 political crisis in 2011, labeling it a strategic miscalculation. He expressed hope that Bangladesh would adopt a focused “Bangladesh First” policy to prioritize national interests in governance and diplomatic relations.

During the event, Danilowicz also commented on President Trump’s statements regarding US financial aid targeted at specific individuals in Bangladesh, characterizing them as misinformation aimed at undermining bilateral relations.

The discussion, titled “In Conversation with Milam & Jon, A New Dawn in Dhaka: Navigating the Dynamics of Bangladesh–US Relations After the Mass Uprising,” was organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) Auditorium. Zillur Rahman, Executive Director of CGS, moderated the event, which attracted diplomats, politicians, academicians, business leaders, civil society representatives, media professionals, and university students.

Rahman reaffirmed the necessity for initiatives promoting good governance and stressed that ongoing discussions are crucial for navigating Bangladesh’s transitional political landscape and for fostering a sustainable governance framework.

In conclusion, the discussion highlighted the complexities of Bangladesh’s transition to democracy and the historical ties with the United States. Former diplomats emphasized the need for accountability and political stability in Bangladesh’s governance while reflecting on past US foreign policy missteps. Looking toward the future, there is a call for a strategic approach that prioritizes Bangladesh’s national interests and promotes constructive dialogue between the two nations to support Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

Original Source: unb.com.bd

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