Bangladesh has become a middle-income country and will emerge as a developed country soon, US ambassador to Bangladesh Dan Mozena has said.
The US envoy emphasised on more private engagement in the agriculture-based industry of Bangladesh at a view exchange meeting in Pabna on Sunday.
Mozena began a six-day visit to the northern districts of Bangladesh. On Tuesday, he attended a view-exchange meeting held at Pabna Circuit House.
“I am delighted to learn that Pabna is the largest producer of onions in Bangladesh. This is positive for agricultural development of the district,” he said.
For the farmers, Mozena said they should preserve their produce for a better sale opportunity. “Farmers are deprived of proper prices because of the rush after harvest.”
“The private sector, apart from the government, should install cold storage and agro-based production companies for the sake of the farmers,” he said.
Pabna Deputy Commissioner Kazi Ashraf Uddin and police Superintendent Miraz Uddin were present in the meeting.
The US envoy also sought developments in the Bongram incident of November last year where a Facebook post led to a sectarian violence.
Pabna SP Miraz Uddin said 34 people have already been arrested and the confessional statements of three have been recorded. “A police camp has been set up in the area for security.”
Mozena later visited Pakshey Harding Bridge, Shitali Jamindar house and other historical attractions of Pabna. Later he met with the local Hindu community.