Presenting the Bush administration's request for foreign assistance funding for South Asia in 2006 fiscal year, Camp said the US would have a crucial opportunity to assist the region toward a stable, prosperous and democratic future in the next few years.

Making a statement on Bangladesh before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in Washington Wednesday, he said Bangladesh built a functioning, albeit challenged, democracy that has achieved important economic growth.

"Credit for Bangladesh's accomplishments -- past and present -- does not rest with a single leader, party or organisation. And, neither does responsibility for the current problems rest with a single Bangladeshi administration, institution or leader."

He however said, "Bangladesh's significant problems with corruption, increase in violent political attacks, poor governance and the opposition's hartal threaten democratic stability and impede economic growth."

He said the US development and democracy programmes in Bangladesh seek to address the challenges that foster extremism.

"Poverty, lack of education and endemic corruption combined with porous borders and lack of public faith in elected government have increased the appeal of radicalism," Camp added.

US democracy programmes seek to increase the accountability and transparency of democratic institutions, which can help defuse bitter rivalries, and support civil-society advocacy groups such as Transparency International Bangladesh, the US official said.

He went on to say, "To promote sustainable development, our programmes will continue to improve basic education, foster scientific cooperation, assist economic growth and trade, combat trafficking in persons and increase health services for women and children."