AMBASSADOR'S CHITTAGONG VISIT - MILITARY ENGAGEMENT AND A

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DHAKA 001164 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MARR ECON PGOV KPAO SOCI BG SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S CHITTAGONG VISIT - MILITARY ENGAGEMENT AND A FOURTH D SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (U) Ambassador Moriarty's second visit to the city of Chittagong highlighted U.S.-Bangladesh Navy cooperation and the importance of decentralization in an effective democracy. As part of a November 2-6 port call in Chittagong by the USNS SAFEGUARD, the Ambassador observed U.S. Navy divers working with Bangladesh Navy divers to perfect diving and salvaging techniques. The Ambassador also spoke to businessmen and students at two separate events. In an address to the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ambassador emphasized the role local government could play in ensuring transparent and effective management of government services and resources. This message resonated well among business leaders in Bangladesh's second largest city. DEVELOPING NAVY CAPACITY -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Ambassador Moriarty visited Chittagong November 4 in conjunction with a port call by the USNS SAFEGUARD, a Military Sealift Command (MSC) rescue and salvage ship. A U.S. Navy Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit deployed on the SAFEGUARD conducted a diving and salvage exercise with Bangladesh Navy divers. During the Ambassador's visit to the SAFEGUARD, he watched as Bangladesh and U.S. divers practiced diving maneuvers in the strong currents of Chittagong harbor. The Commodore of the Chittagong Naval base outlined for the Ambassador plans to expand the Bangladesh Navy's maritime security capabilities; the Commodore praised strong U.S.-Bangladesh naval ties as an important contributor to developing his Navy's capacity. For their part, the U.S. Navy divers were impressed by the skills and professionalism of the Bangladesh divers with whom they worked. ¶3. (U) SAFEGUARD crew members and the Ambassador also participated in a community relations project at an elementary school near the Chittagong naval base. Ship electricians updated the school's wiring system so all classrooms would have lights. The Ambassador, ship crew members and divers handed out backpacks to 400 students. The school serves children in an impoverished neighborhood of rickshaw-pullers and garment workers. It survives on donations and modest amounts of government funds, so the work of the SAFEGUARD crew provided valuable repairs and supplies to a truly needy school. THE ROLE OF DECENTRALIZATION IN DEMOCRACY -------------- ¶4. (U) The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted the Ambassador at a lunch for about 50 of its members. The Ambassador's remarks highlighted U.S. and upcoming Bangladesh elections, with a focus on decentralization. Noting that Senator and President-elect Obama and Governor Palin started their political careers in state and local government, he said this could be effective as model in Bangladesh. Strong local government could be a training ground for future national leaders. A stronger system of local government also could ensure government services and resources were managed more transparently and effectively. The Chittagong businessmen welcomed the Ambassador's comments, embracing decentralization as a fourth "D" after the priorities of democracy, development and denial of space to terrorists. STUDENTS COMMENT ON ELECTIONS AT HOME AND ABROAD -------------- ¶6. (U) The Ambassador met with about 30 students and faculty at the American Corner on the Chittagong campus of the Independent University of Bangladesh. The students asked pointed questions about the U.S. elections and expressed concern about the future of their own country and its elections scheduled for December. Students and faculty also expressed interest in additional ties with U.S. universities and in obtaining more English-language training materials at the American Corner. COMMENT -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Chittagong is a bustling city and port critical to Bangladesh's maritime security and its economy. The Ambassador highlighted these themes in his visit, and his Chittagong interlocutors welcomed further interaction with the USG and the United States in general. The Ambassador's message on decentralization, a fourth "D", clearly resonated with Chittagong DHAKA 00001164 002 OF 002 businessmen, who voiced frustration about getting attention and resources from the powers-that-be in Dhaka.