U.S. urges Myanmar on a regular basis to respect the rights of religious and ethnic minority groups

Sabah Mannan
United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat went live on Facebook on Wednesday to mark the second anniversary of her arrival in Bangladesh. The Facebook Live event started at 3:30 pm. Bernicat fielded questions from the public. She answered questions about politics, student visas and Bangladesh’s relationship with the US.
Dean Haider, a facebook follower asked a question about her two year experience in this country and why most of the visa applicants were rejected by the Embassy. Bernicat replied saying “The past two years have been challenging and enjoyable. I look forward  to what the next year will offer. Regarding visas, in fact thousands of Bangladeshis receive visas every year. There are also currently over 6500 Bangladeshi students studying in U.S. schools. Tourism is the 2nd largest industry in the U.S., so we welcome visitors of all kinds and from all countries”.
Another follower named Mainul Alam asked Bernicat whether the Trump Administration would withdraw all Ambassadors appointed by the Obama Administration as he wants to appoint Mission heads across the world afresh.
She responded saying “It is partially true. Every president, regardless of party affiliation, asks those Ambassadors who are political appointees of their predecessors to step down. The two thirds of Ambassadors, who are career Foreign Service Officers such as myself, usually stay”.
Another question was asked by Musa Ilam that requested the Embassy to ask USA government to play an active roll in ending violence and unbelievable human right violations that are happening in Myanmar against Ethnic Rohingya for decades. Bernicat answered saying “The U.S. Government has been a strong proponent for human rights everywhere in the world, including Myanmar. The U.S. urges the government of Myanmar on a regular basis to respect the rights of religious and ethnic minority groups and calls for improvements to their freedom of movement, access to social services, access to livelihoods and fair treatment under the law when they are subject to abuses”.
The event ended at 4:35 pm. She thanked everyone for showing interest.