Dan Mozena grew up on a dairy farm in the American Midwest and spent the first couple of decades of his life milking cows and doing the daily chores that are part of life on a family farm. His education began in a one-room country school, which had a total of 12 students spread over eight grades. He graduated from Iowa State University in Political Science and History and later from graduate school at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
The ‘small town boy’ carried his empathy for common people and his insights into agrarian economies wherever he went in the developing world as a member of the US Foreign Service. Since presenting his Letters of Credence to the President of Bangladesh on November 24, 2011, Ambassador Dan Mozena has visited all of the country’s 64 districts.
Syed Zain Al-Mahmood met Ambassador Mozena for an extensive interview.
Ambassador Mozena, how would you describe the relationship between the US and Bangladesh right now? There have been a few bumps along the road recently.
The relationship between our two countries, between America and Bangladesh, is excellent and it’s important not to lose sight of that. Journalists and politicians sometimes look at bumps on the road, and that’s understandable but we must not lose sight of the big picture.
It’s a very productive relationship – countering violent extremism, reducing maternal and child mortality, family planning, mitigating the impacts of climate change, improving livelihoods, helping Bangladesh develop a Navy SEAL type force, working with the police as they move from a kind of “lathi” mentality to a community mentality – we’re working with Bangladesh on so many fronts. Full steam ahead in all these areas! I have to say we have seamless relationships with relevant ministries, NGOs, civil society, media… I’m very proud of that and that continues undiminished.
In every relationship there will be issues, and you must work to identify and resolve those.
Let’s discuss specifics. The TICFA agreement has been a bit of a sticking point. In your view, how important is the Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement and how will it benefit Bangladesh?
TICFA is a very simple agreement that sets up a forum that will meet once or twice a year to identity obstacles to trade and investment and try to remove them. I think it’s a very helpful thing. If the government of Bangladesh thinks it’s a good thing, then we’ll sign it. If not, that’s fine too. But I’d like to have a forum because it will be helpful. I know Bangladesh has issues that it would like to see resolved and this is a good way to do it.
You’ve been quoted in a local online newspaper as saying: no TICFA, no duty-free access to US markets. Do you stand by that?
I said nothing of the sort. All of my prepared remarks are posted on our website. I never said that.
If Bangladesh wasn’t able to reach agreement on TICFA, do you think that would affect duty-free access to the American market?
Well, that’s a much larger question. Duty free access is determined by the US Congress – not by the executive branch. But if I were the Bangladeshi ambassador in Washington, I would work to create a political environment where members of Congress would be sympathetic towards taking action to remove these tariffs. One of the things that Bangladesh could do to create a positive environment is to conclude a TICFA agreement, although this is not a prerequisite.
What is your position on the government’s handling of Grameen Bank and Dr Muhammad Yunus?
My position is that of the State Department. The State Department has expressed deep concern about recent actions that the Government of Bangladesh has taken to give the government-appointed chairman of the Grameen Bank Board control over the selection of the bank’s new managing director. This move would diminish the role the largely female borrower-shareholders play in shaping the direction of an institution that has made a difference to millions of impoverished women in Bangladesh, and indeed around the world.
During her May visit to Dhaka, Secretary Clinton urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dipu Moni to take no actions that would undermine Grameen Bank. We are concerned that the latest actions by the government could threaten the future of the bank, which was founded by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The State Department has called on the Government of Bangladesh to respect the integrity, effectiveness, and independence of Grameen Bank.
A lot has been said about improving labour standards in Bangladesh. The garments industry, in particular, has been under the spotlight. From what you’ve seen during your time here, have labour standards been going up?
You know, I’m so glad I have historical perspective here. When I worked in Bangladesh before from 1998-2000, I was very much involved in these very issues. I worked with issues like camel jockeys, child labour in the RMG sector, locked exit doors at factories, unpaid overtime – those were the issues of 12 years ago. Now, all of those issues are greatly reduced, if not completely eliminated. Using children as camel jockeys – completely finished! Child labour in garments – almost eliminated, and so on. So there has been tremendous progress in labour standards. I’ve seen this personally, I’m not just saying it.
The issue that has been of interest lately is related to freedom of association in factories. I’ve been so encouraged. I’ve spoken to owners, workers, buyers, ILO representatives and I see a genuine desire to improve.
I see Bangladesh emerging as a premium brand, as a fair labour brand. That’s worth money. Buyers want to buy commodities made in a place where manufacturers are part of a better work programme. Buyers don’t want to risk their brand, their reputations. I’m very encouraged to see the progress being made in Bangladesh to move industry towards a better work programme.
Secretary of State Clinton during her visit called on the government to investigate the killing of labour leader Aminul Islam. The murder hasn’t been solved. How damaging is that, along with all the enforced disappearances, to Bangladesh’s image abroad?
I’m hopeful that the government will carry out a fair and impartial investigation and the perpetrator will be brought to justice.
What, in your view, are the long term impacts of Bangladesh’s row with the World Bank?
Well, we don’t know yet, but I’m hopeful that there will be some way forward where the legitimate concerns of the World Bank can be addressed by the government. I know that people on all sides are trying to find a way forward. I’m still hopeful that this can be sorted out.
How optimistic are you that Bangladesh will be able to hold free, fair and participatory elections in 2014? How can the US help the democratic process in Bangladesh?
I’m optimistic that agreement will be reached among the political parties that will pave the way to free, fair and participatory elections. This country is a democracy and democracy is the way forward for Bangladesh. There have been experiments in the country’s history with other forms of governance and they haven’t worked out well. So I hope the political leaders will find a way forward and I hope they do it sooner rather than later so there is none of this suspense and uncertainty.
How much leverage does the international community really have when it comes to issues like human rights and good governance in a country like Bangladesh?
I don’t think we have any leverage. Bangladesh is a sovereign country and can do what’s good for Bangladesh. But other countries have a right to their views and the right to express those views. Certainly everyone has an opinion about the United States and I often find those views interesting since it gives me a different perspective.
What do you think of the coverage that the US gets in the Bangladeshi media?
I think press coverage is good. I’ve never felt any malice. The media has its own way of doing things – I won’t say I’m not misquoted sometimes. There is also the language barrier. But I do my best to speak clearly. I put my remarks online – in English and Bangla. It’s just the cost of doing business.
You mentioned your hope that Bangladesh would one day become a premium brand. Are you upbeat about Bangladesh’s economic prospects in the short and medium term?
I get more optimistic the more I talk to people – factory owners, workers, activists, government officials. If you want to join the big league, you have to sell yourself. You do that by making yourself the preferred brand, the fair trade brand. You make people fight to buy your products. This is a critical time for Bangladesh. You’re already the number 2 exporter in the RMG sector. You should become number 1. It’s not rocket science – you want to project that you’re a reliable supplier. That will create millions and millions of jobs in Bangladesh.
There are challenges. You have problems – infrastructure, power, the port, fear of political instability, corruption – but all of these can be resolved. I’ve worked in places that had problems nobody could resolve. I say this to everybody – Bangladesh is the most blessed country I can think of.
What is the United State’s position on regional integration in South Asia in terms of road and rail networks, power and energy, water sharing?
That’s a very good question. Secretary Clinton, during her visit, spoke about a new Silk Road – her image is of a regional connection linking central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Burma and China. Who sits in the middle of all that interconnectivity? Bangladesh! Imagine exports from Kazakhstan going to China through Bangladesh, not to mention Bangladesh’s own exports. That’s a money-spinner. I spoke about blessings, didn’t I? Bangladesh can become the hub of a new Silk Road.
When I talk about the Golden Bangladesh, when I mention the Royal Bengal Tiger as a brand – this is what I’m talking about.
You certainly hit the ground running as an ambassador and have been very active and vocal in various forums. What is your main mission during your time here?
I said it the day I arrived. I come here with a mandate to broaden, deepen and strengthen the relationship between the two countries. I will build that relationship as far as my Bangladeshi partners want it to go. I see a win-win situation here. Everybody wins through a peaceful, secure, prosperous, healthy, democratic Bangladesh. That is good for South Asia, it is good for America and above all it is good for Bangladesh.
Do you have any personal stories to share, anything that has moved you deeply during your stay in Dhaka?
Do you know what touches me? The simplest things. I’m the only person who will say this – I love being stuck in traffic. I sit and I watch life go by in Bangladesh. I see a tough, resilient, warm people who have immense potential. You are truly exceptional as a people. That’s why I love being here.
I see that same potential and that creativity in Bangladesh’s art and culture. Shortly after we came, in December, there was this big art exhibition for two curators from the Tate gallery in London. I had a chat with them, and they were blown away by the art they saw here. Both of them said the same thing to me: buy now! The challenge for Bangladesh will be to sustain that creativity.
Mr. Ambassador, thank you for your time.
The ‘small town boy’ carried his empathy for common people and his insights into agrarian economies wherever he went in the developing world as a member of the US Foreign Service. Since presenting his Letters of Credence to the President of Bangladesh on November 24, 2011, Ambassador Dan Mozena has visited all of the country’s 64 districts.
Syed Zain Al-Mahmood met Ambassador Mozena for an extensive interview.
Ambassador Mozena, how would you describe the relationship between the US and Bangladesh right now? There have been a few bumps along the road recently.
The relationship between our two countries, between America and Bangladesh, is excellent and it’s important not to lose sight of that. Journalists and politicians sometimes look at bumps on the road, and that’s understandable but we must not lose sight of the big picture.
It’s a very productive relationship – countering violent extremism, reducing maternal and child mortality, family planning, mitigating the impacts of climate change, improving livelihoods, helping Bangladesh develop a Navy SEAL type force, working with the police as they move from a kind of “lathi” mentality to a community mentality – we’re working with Bangladesh on so many fronts. Full steam ahead in all these areas! I have to say we have seamless relationships with relevant ministries, NGOs, civil society, media… I’m very proud of that and that continues undiminished.
In every relationship there will be issues, and you must work to identify and resolve those.
Let’s discuss specifics. The TICFA agreement has been a bit of a sticking point. In your view, how important is the Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement and how will it benefit Bangladesh?
TICFA is a very simple agreement that sets up a forum that will meet once or twice a year to identity obstacles to trade and investment and try to remove them. I think it’s a very helpful thing. If the government of Bangladesh thinks it’s a good thing, then we’ll sign it. If not, that’s fine too. But I’d like to have a forum because it will be helpful. I know Bangladesh has issues that it would like to see resolved and this is a good way to do it.
You’ve been quoted in a local online newspaper as saying: no TICFA, no duty-free access to US markets. Do you stand by that?
I said nothing of the sort. All of my prepared remarks are posted on our website. I never said that.
If Bangladesh wasn’t able to reach agreement on TICFA, do you think that would affect duty-free access to the American market?
Well, that’s a much larger question. Duty free access is determined by the US Congress – not by the executive branch. But if I were the Bangladeshi ambassador in Washington, I would work to create a political environment where members of Congress would be sympathetic towards taking action to remove these tariffs. One of the things that Bangladesh could do to create a positive environment is to conclude a TICFA agreement, although this is not a prerequisite.
What is your position on the government’s handling of Grameen Bank and Dr Muhammad Yunus?
My position is that of the State Department. The State Department has expressed deep concern about recent actions that the Government of Bangladesh has taken to give the government-appointed chairman of the Grameen Bank Board control over the selection of the bank’s new managing director. This move would diminish the role the largely female borrower-shareholders play in shaping the direction of an institution that has made a difference to millions of impoverished women in Bangladesh, and indeed around the world.
During her May visit to Dhaka, Secretary Clinton urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dipu Moni to take no actions that would undermine Grameen Bank. We are concerned that the latest actions by the government could threaten the future of the bank, which was founded by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The State Department has called on the Government of Bangladesh to respect the integrity, effectiveness, and independence of Grameen Bank.
A lot has been said about improving labour standards in Bangladesh. The garments industry, in particular, has been under the spotlight. From what you’ve seen during your time here, have labour standards been going up?
You know, I’m so glad I have historical perspective here. When I worked in Bangladesh before from 1998-2000, I was very much involved in these very issues. I worked with issues like camel jockeys, child labour in the RMG sector, locked exit doors at factories, unpaid overtime – those were the issues of 12 years ago. Now, all of those issues are greatly reduced, if not completely eliminated. Using children as camel jockeys – completely finished! Child labour in garments – almost eliminated, and so on. So there has been tremendous progress in labour standards. I’ve seen this personally, I’m not just saying it.
The issue that has been of interest lately is related to freedom of association in factories. I’ve been so encouraged. I’ve spoken to owners, workers, buyers, ILO representatives and I see a genuine desire to improve.
I see Bangladesh emerging as a premium brand, as a fair labour brand. That’s worth money. Buyers want to buy commodities made in a place where manufacturers are part of a better work programme. Buyers don’t want to risk their brand, their reputations. I’m very encouraged to see the progress being made in Bangladesh to move industry towards a better work programme.
Secretary of State Clinton during her visit called on the government to investigate the killing of labour leader Aminul Islam. The murder hasn’t been solved. How damaging is that, along with all the enforced disappearances, to Bangladesh’s image abroad?
I’m hopeful that the government will carry out a fair and impartial investigation and the perpetrator will be brought to justice.
What, in your view, are the long term impacts of Bangladesh’s row with the World Bank?
Well, we don’t know yet, but I’m hopeful that there will be some way forward where the legitimate concerns of the World Bank can be addressed by the government. I know that people on all sides are trying to find a way forward. I’m still hopeful that this can be sorted out.
How optimistic are you that Bangladesh will be able to hold free, fair and participatory elections in 2014? How can the US help the democratic process in Bangladesh?
I’m optimistic that agreement will be reached among the political parties that will pave the way to free, fair and participatory elections. This country is a democracy and democracy is the way forward for Bangladesh. There have been experiments in the country’s history with other forms of governance and they haven’t worked out well. So I hope the political leaders will find a way forward and I hope they do it sooner rather than later so there is none of this suspense and uncertainty.
How much leverage does the international community really have when it comes to issues like human rights and good governance in a country like Bangladesh?
I don’t think we have any leverage. Bangladesh is a sovereign country and can do what’s good for Bangladesh. But other countries have a right to their views and the right to express those views. Certainly everyone has an opinion about the United States and I often find those views interesting since it gives me a different perspective.
What do you think of the coverage that the US gets in the Bangladeshi media?
I think press coverage is good. I’ve never felt any malice. The media has its own way of doing things – I won’t say I’m not misquoted sometimes. There is also the language barrier. But I do my best to speak clearly. I put my remarks online – in English and Bangla. It’s just the cost of doing business.
You mentioned your hope that Bangladesh would one day become a premium brand. Are you upbeat about Bangladesh’s economic prospects in the short and medium term?
I get more optimistic the more I talk to people – factory owners, workers, activists, government officials. If you want to join the big league, you have to sell yourself. You do that by making yourself the preferred brand, the fair trade brand. You make people fight to buy your products. This is a critical time for Bangladesh. You’re already the number 2 exporter in the RMG sector. You should become number 1. It’s not rocket science – you want to project that you’re a reliable supplier. That will create millions and millions of jobs in Bangladesh.
There are challenges. You have problems – infrastructure, power, the port, fear of political instability, corruption – but all of these can be resolved. I’ve worked in places that had problems nobody could resolve. I say this to everybody – Bangladesh is the most blessed country I can think of.
What is the United State’s position on regional integration in South Asia in terms of road and rail networks, power and energy, water sharing?
That’s a very good question. Secretary Clinton, during her visit, spoke about a new Silk Road – her image is of a regional connection linking central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Burma and China. Who sits in the middle of all that interconnectivity? Bangladesh! Imagine exports from Kazakhstan going to China through Bangladesh, not to mention Bangladesh’s own exports. That’s a money-spinner. I spoke about blessings, didn’t I? Bangladesh can become the hub of a new Silk Road.
When I talk about the Golden Bangladesh, when I mention the Royal Bengal Tiger as a brand – this is what I’m talking about.
You certainly hit the ground running as an ambassador and have been very active and vocal in various forums. What is your main mission during your time here?
I said it the day I arrived. I come here with a mandate to broaden, deepen and strengthen the relationship between the two countries. I will build that relationship as far as my Bangladeshi partners want it to go. I see a win-win situation here. Everybody wins through a peaceful, secure, prosperous, healthy, democratic Bangladesh. That is good for South Asia, it is good for America and above all it is good for Bangladesh.
Do you have any personal stories to share, anything that has moved you deeply during your stay in Dhaka?
Do you know what touches me? The simplest things. I’m the only person who will say this – I love being stuck in traffic. I sit and I watch life go by in Bangladesh. I see a tough, resilient, warm people who have immense potential. You are truly exceptional as a people. That’s why I love being here.
I see that same potential and that creativity in Bangladesh’s art and culture. Shortly after we came, in December, there was this big art exhibition for two curators from the Tate gallery in London. I had a chat with them, and they were blown away by the art they saw here. Both of them said the same thing to me: buy now! The challenge for Bangladesh will be to sustain that creativity.
Mr. Ambassador, thank you for your time.
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