Saturday, May 19, 2007

Flight Itinerary

I received my flight itinerary today. According to the information below, I'll be in the air a total of about 17 hours on the way to Bangladesh, and about 21 hours on the return trip (slightly longer because I am re-routing to visit family in upstate NY). Both flights have a layover in London.

The time difference between D.C. and Dhaka is +11 hours.

09 Jun 07 - Saturday

Air United Airlines Flt:924 Economy Multi Meals
Lv Washington Dulles 947p Eqp: Boeing 777
07hr 13min

10 Jun 07 - Sunday
Ar London Heathrow 1000a Non-Stop
Arrive: Terminal 3

Air British Airways Flt:145 Economy Meals
Lv London Heathrow 325p Eqp: Boeing 777
Depart: Terminal 4 09hr 45min

11 Jun 07 - Monday
Ar Dhaka 610a Non-Stop

Return flight:

11 Aug 07 - Saturday

Air British Airways Flt:144 Economy Meals
Lv Dhaka 825a Eqp: Boeing 777
10hr 40min
Ar London Heathrow 205p Non-Stop
Arrive: Terminal 4

Air United Airlines Flt:925 Economy Multi Meals
Lv London Heathrow 420p Eqp: Boeing 777
Depart: Terminal 3 08hr 12min
Ar Washington Dulles 732p Non-Stop

Air United Airlines Flt:8331 Economy
Washington Dulles-Ottawa On Operated By Air Canada
Lv Washington Dulles 920p Eqp: Canadair Reg Jet
01hr 30min
Ar Ottawa On 1050p Non-Stop


Monday, May 14, 2007

In the News: "Give Bangladesh Priority: US Team Urges Bush"

By Nazrul Islam, Dhaka, May 13:

A high-powered US delegation that made a brief visit to Bangladesh has suggested the Bush administration to give Dhaka high priority as a strategic partner in the US's efforts on war on terror, especially against the Islamic extremists.


The delegation headed by a Congressman, in a letter to US President, also praised the role of the Bangladesh's military forces, which is now backing the interim government to fight corruption and bring transparency in political process, according to a media report.

"The US has rare opportunity now to help shape the future of an important nation. Bangladesh is potentially a crucial player in the struggle against Islamic extremism, and this is a crucial period for that country," the Daily Star newspaper quoted the letter to have said.

The five-member delegation, headed by Congressman Curt Weldon, during the visit held a series of meetings with leaders in the interim administration, senior civil and military officials and businessmen.

Bangladesh is geo-politically important because of its three nuclear-capable neighbours - India, China and Pakistan - in the region.

The team also comprised the former deputy assistance secretary of defence W Bruce Weinrod, retired US Air Force Major General Ronald J Bath, retired US Army Colonel Timothy D Ringgold, and retired US Coast Guard commander Michael D Kearney.

They had discussions with various leaders and officials in Bangladesh keeping in mind the US foreign and national security policies against the backdrop of its exposure to Islamic extremism to develop the framework for a major conference on homeland security issues to be held in Bangladesh later this year.

The letter said the US could help ensure a democratic and pro-Western nation, and prevent the emergence of another highly unstable Islamic nation vulnerable to extremism by giving priority to Bangladesh.

The team termed Bangladesh as a generally moderate Islamic country although it is the third largest Muslim country, and it could be "a strong member of a moderate Islamic coalition that rejects fanaticism and terrorism".

The security team in its letter also recommended that the US take a pro-active role in assisting Bangladesh to improve its political and economic situation so that Bangladesh will not provide fertile ground for extremist fanaticism.

It noted that Bangladesh was passing through a "political and economic transition" when key leaders were seeking to strengthen and deepen the national democratic political system and also crack down on "endemic" corruption.

On increased defense ties, the letter pointed out that the Bangladeshi military plays a key role in the nation.

"The military leadership is at this time assuming a low-profile and positive role in encouraging needed changes in the Bangladeshi political system" and in the efforts to end rampant corruption there.

"The US should reinforce and in effect reward the Bangladeshi military for their role and restraint. Enhanced military-to-military and as appropriate, civilian-to-military programs and visits are very much in the US national interest," the delegation's letter said.