DHAKA: Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, the USA ambassador to Dhaka, said that her country will continue its support in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.

The envoy came up with the assurance when she made a courtesy call to Parliament Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury on Sunday.

During the meeting, they talked about bilateral issues, including trade, investment and development. Ways of strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations were also discussed at the meeting.

The US envoy said she will continue her cooperation and friendship as well as playing role in expanding the trade.

She further said her country will continue its support in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and the United States have an opportunity to work together against the challenges of climate change, she added.

Terming Bangladesh a role model in the world in attaining ‘Millennium Development Goals', the Speaker said the government has introduced free education, stipend for women to take education at their desired level.

She said Bangladesh has taken initiatives to bring women in the mainstream of country’s development by making policies and laws for the betterment of women.

According to the Speaker, employment opportunities have also been created to empower women not only in the urban area, but also at the grassroots level.

The government formulated Bangladesh Women Development Policy to ensure women's rights and gender equality. Women are going forward in all sectors due to increasing social awareness as well as formulation of law, the Speaker added.

Kathleen Gibilisco, political officer of American embassy to Dhaka, was also present during the meeting.

BDST: 2113 HRS, MAR 1, 2015