AMBASSADOR CALLS ON CHIEF ADVISOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 000654 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/18/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM KCRM BG SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR CALLS ON CHIEF ADVISOR Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Geeta Pasi; reason 1.4(d) ¶1. (U) Ambassador Butenis and Econoff (note taker) met April 16 with Chief Advisor Fakhruddin Ahmed to discuss elections and political reform, governance, and anti-corruption. Fahim Munaim, Press Spokesman for the Chief Advisor, and Shahidul Islam, Director General Americas & Pacific Wing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also attended the forty minute meeting. ¶2. (C) Elections: The Ambassador welcomed the announcement of a timeline for elections as a positive indication of the government's commitment to elected democracy and cited the work to date by the election commission to prepare for elections. She noted Congressional concern that Bangladesh might follow a similar course as Thailand as an indication of the close attention Washington was giving to Bangladesh. Fakhruddin said the decision to announce an election timeline reflected internal factors as well as international concerns. He asked for patience while the government completes electoral and political reforms needed to ensure lasting political change. He welcomed US offers of assistance and asked that donors (rather than the Election Commission) handle coordination. Fakhruddin expects the ban on political activity will be lifted within four to six weeks, stressing the need for the EC to work with the parties and the importance of proceeding on parallel tracks with political party reform, voter list preparation and electoral reform. ¶3. (C) Governance: Fakhruddin said the government was more confident now than in its first month; it has a better understanding of the issues and continued popular support. He admitted that he and the ten advisers were stretched too thin to manage the large number of ministries for the next 18 months and said they were trying to find a solution compatible with the constitutional provisions governing the size of the Council of Advisers. The government is identifying priorities and a work program for the next 18 months. ¶4. (C) Anti-Corruption: The Ambassador praised Bangladesh's commitment to address corruption and stressed the importance of fairness and due process in any proceedings. Fakhruddin said Bangladesh welcomed assistance from all sources and singled out the government's willingness to work with Transparency International Bangladesh on ways to "change the environment" of corruption. Fakhruddin told the Ambassador the government has evidence of illegal funds transfers to foreign financial accounts and said Bangladesh may approach countries where the funds are located, including the US, to seek assistance with recovering these assets. ¶5. (C) Counter-terrorism; Other Issues: The US is encouraged by the government's continued actions to combat terrorism, the Ambassador said, citing the investigations into the patrons of Jamaat'ul Mujahedin and the reopening of the Kibria investigation. The Ambassador noted Awami League President Sheikh Hasina's meetings and press activities in the U.S. and asked when Bangladesh would decide on a new Ambassador to Washington. Fakhruddin said he expected a decision by late April. The Ambassador expressed appreciation for the government's response to the avian influenza outbreak. Fakhruddin assured the Ambassador that the government is engaged at the most senior levels. ¶6. (C) Comment: Fakhruddin's comments on the election timeframe, the need for a workaround to the limits on the number of advisors and the development of an 18 month work plan are strong evidence the government expects to remain in power and govern through 2008. End Comment. BUTENIS