Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06DHAKA1367
2006-03-15 00:42:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Dhaka
Cable title:  

CONGRESSMAN CROWLEY, PM ZIA DISCUSS ELECTIONS,

Tags:  PHUM PREL KDEM KCRM BG 
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RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 DHAKA 001367 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/23/2016
TAGS: PHUM PREL KDEM KCRM BG
SUBJECT: CONGRESSMAN CROWLEY, PM ZIA DISCUSS ELECTIONS,
CORRUPTION, EXTREMISM AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

REF: DHAKA 932

Classified By: CDA Judith Chammas; reason 1.4(d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 DHAKA 001367

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/23/2016
TAGS: PHUM PREL KDEM KCRM BG
SUBJECT: CONGRESSMAN CROWLEY, PM ZIA DISCUSS ELECTIONS,
CORRUPTION, EXTREMISM AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

REF: DHAKA 932

Classified By: CDA Judith Chammas; reason 1.4(d)


1. (C) Summary: Congressman Joseph Crowley thanked PM
Khaleda Zia on February 22 for her government's recent steps
to protect religious minorities, praised steps to control
extremism and stressed the importance of free, fair and
transparent elections. He encouraged a stronger response to
corruption. PM Zia said her government supports religious
tolerance and wants free, fair and transparent elections.
She criticized the opposition for failing to follow
parliamentary procedures in submitting their election reform
proposals. She said her government had brought the
extremists under control and would remain vigilant against
further extremist violence. PM Zia blamed the press for
creating a perception of pervasive corruption. End summary.


2. (U) Congressman Crowley, accompanied by the CDA Judith
Chammas and econ off (note taker),met with PM Zia for 30
minutes on February 22 at the Office of the Prime Minister.


3. (C) Congressman Crowley described his meetings with
representatives of the Hindu, Ahmadiyya, and Christian
communities (reftel) and conveyed the appreciation of the
Ahmadiyyas for government actions to prevent recent attacks
on them. He also conveyed the Archbishop's positive comments
on his relationship with the government. He encouraged the
government to continue to speak publicly against attacks on
religious minorities while protecting them against future
threats. PM Zia said her government supports religious
tolerance, citing her remarks at a recent conference to
promote interfaith dialogue.


4. (C) Congressman Crowley stressed U.S. interest in
elections that were both perceived to be and were in fact
free, fair and transparent. PM Zia said her government also
wants free, fair and transparent elections, expressing
confidence that her government would win in a fair election.
CDA supported the decision of both parties to place the
opposition's election reform proposals before Parliament. PM
Zia cut in, complaining that the opposition had failed to

properly submit their proposals, insisting that proper
procedure be followed before the proposals could be
discussed. CDA urged the government to show flexibility to
allow debate on the proposals.


5. (C) On combating extremism, Congressman Crowley praised
Bangladesh efforts, including its actions against Jamaat
Mujahedin Bangladesh (JMB) and the PM's support for
establishing dedicated counter-terrorism bureaus within the
intelligence services. PM Zia said the government worked
closely with imams throughout the country to denounce
violence in the name of Islam. As a result, she said, JMB
has no support in the villages and is on the run. She also
instructed the central bank to work with banks to trace and
cut off the flow of funds to JMB. "We have almost crushed
JMB," she asserted confidently. While acknowledging the
government's success, Congressman Crowley encouraged
Bangladesh not to let up in its fight against the JMB and
extremism generally.


6. (C) Congressman Crowley urged concrete steps to address
corruption, noting Bangladesh had received the worst ranking
for five consecutive years on Transparency International's
Corruption Perception Index. He pointed out that a
non-transparent government procurement process discourages
U.S. and other foreign investors from doing business in
Bangladesh. He cited pressure to retender a police radio
procurement that Motorola believed it had won as an example
of how mishandling of even small government tenders can
contribute to the broader perception that Bangladesh suffers
from serious corruption.


7. (C) Bangladesh has proven that it can address difficult
issues when it wants to, Congressman Crowley said, citing
Bangladesh's successful actions to combat child labor and
trafficking in persons. Congressman Crowley warned that U.S.
assistance to Bangladesh may be reduced because of U.S.
budget realities. Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) funds
could help offset reductions in other areas; however,
Bangladesh's failure to act against corruption was a major

DHAKA 00001367 002 OF 002


impediment to Bangladesh's request for MCA funds. The
government needed to demonstrate the kind of commitment
against corruption that it showed in combating child labor
and trafficking of women and children if it wanted to qualify
for MCA funds. He urged the government to get the
anti-corruption commission functioning effectively.


8. (C) PM Zia responded by criticizing the Transparency
International ranking, saying it was based on "bogus" and
irresponsible press reports. If Bangladesh is so corrupt,
why does the economy perform so well, she asked rhetorically?
PM Zia expressed concern over possible cutbacks in U.S.
assistance. Reducing aid will encourage those most needing
help to turn to the fundamentalists for support, she said.


9. (U) Congressman Crowley departed before this message
was drafted.
CHAMMAS