Although no political party in Bangladesh will admit its link with the United States, it is an open secret that the US plays an important role in empowering the political parties. It is almost impossible for any party to go to power without being in a good book of the super power.

The incumbent American Ambassador to Bangladesh Mr. Harry K. Thomas is a very outspoken person. It sometimes hurt my national ego when he makes comments on almost everything without much caring about the diplomatic norms.

He made some comments about Bangladeshi politics in a recent seminar organised by the World Bank. According to the report published in the 'Press Notes' column of Weekly Jaijaidin (13th July 2004). He said about the two big parties,

'The most important point is, democratic institution in Bangladesh will not be strengthen if the two big parties do not show cooperation in issues of national interest.'

On the other hand, his comments on Jamaat was particularly interesting,
'Jamaat-e-Islami has been working for democracy. Those who believe in democracy cannot be fundamentalist. However there are other five organisations who are extremists and fundamentalists.'

His statement came as a surprise to many people because while he blames the two big parties for not strengthening democratic institution in Bangladesh, he gives Jamaat the certificate of being democratic and not fundamentalist. It is true that Jamaat is in a better position than the big two in terms of practising intra-party democracy and showing respect (probably deliberate) to other parties. Its Ameer, the Industries Minister, earned praise from all quarter when he requested the Speaker to give time from his own to a senior Awami League MP. However, those who know the Americans find it very difficult to believe that they are clearing Jamaat from the blame of being fundamentalist without any ulterior motive.

The US has probably taken a strategy to tackle the extremist Islamists with moderate ones.

Some people think that the statement has a hidden hint of finding alternatives of BNP and Awami League. Jamaat is much more organised and disciplined than the big two. Is the USA considering Jamaat to be more democratic than the big two?