That includes the United States and that includes Bangladesh. As many of you know, I served in the United States House of Representatives for many years. One of the most important lessons I took away from that experience was the critical importance of compromise and reaching across party lines to achieve important national priorities. Political differences should not result in a policy that translates into hostility for everything that one's opposition proposes. At times in American history, we've seen such strategies undertaken in the United States and I can assure you they are both counter-productive and not conducive to effective government.
Democracy can only truly succeed in an environment of civility and respect.
I understand that the opposition has delayed a major strike in anticipation of my visit. While I am deeply honored by this recognition, unfortunately I cannot visit Bangladesh on a regular basis. It remains my sincere hope that even after I leave, politically motivated strikes will be the exception not the rule in Bangladeshi politics. If there is one message I would like to deliver to the people of Bangladesh and all political parties, it is that political differences must be resolved in a give and take manner in parliament and not waged on this nation's streets. And, the United States is committed to helping ensure that democracy, freedom and human rights take root here in Bangladesh.