Washington, Apr 30: In a blunt warning to Bangladesh, a senior US official has asked the country to take urgent efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and deal with massive corruption.
Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca, addressing a conference on "Bangladesh: Democracy, Governance and Resources" at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington on Thursday said that Bangladesh democracy is in danger because of the "hartal politics."

She said US is concerned about the future of Bangladesh, a country with a troubled history and a potentially bright future.

For three years now, she pointed out, Transparency International has ranked Bangladesh as the world's most corrupt country, a dubious distinction that has taken a toll on Foreign Direct Investment.

"This should be a clarion call to action for the Government of Bangladesh, which must immediately take steps to root out official corruption."

Corruption and tolerance of corruption, Rocca said, is not the only danger to democratic governance. Domestic politics are so deeply polarised between the incumbent Government and the leading opposition party that the country is grinding to a halt, she said.

Bureau Report