Representative of Bangladesh

As an American and an appointed representative for the people of the valiant country of Bangladesh, I am embarrassed that The Times would so ridicule the efforts to help and strengthen a people so in need of economic stability by the commentary “Beneath the Flag of a Ravished People, True Glitz” (by Linda Blandford, March 27).

During my many visits to Bangladesh to confer with government officials and meet with the people, I have been encouraged by the steady progress of that Third World country toward economic growth through the textile and garment manufacturing that my late husband, Sam Bretzfield, introduced into there. My late husband was working closely with the U.S. government and advising the Bangladesh government on the quota set for importing manufactured goods to the United States before his death. One of my principle goals has been to complete negotiations between the two governments of which he was such an integral part.

Bangladesh now is the fourth-leading garment manufacturing country in the world, providing an income to the country of approximately $356 million a year. The fishing industry is about the fifth largest in the world, moving rapidly toward the third or second position.

It would seem from the tone of the column that the writer has not visited Bangladesh, or at least not recently, nor does she understand the critical business promotion which is part of the responsibility of an honorary consulate. Large and prosperous countries, by international agreement, establish foreign service consulates directed by career diplomats. Emerging Third World countries cannot afford such government expense and look to residents well connected in business to provide these services, which often results in “a small dark office.”

I am proud to have accompanied former President Hussain Mohammed Ershad to the United Nations to plead for flood relief in 1988 that resulted in a coalition of European countries to fund and build a dam in the Himalayas which guarantees that Bangladesh will never be “ravished again by the flooding of the Ganges River.

I do not understand how my collection of Chinese robes which were gifts from Chinese friends, impacts on the living conditions in Bangladesh.

I do not have an exercise trainer as was insinuated by the writer. I have been a career woman all of my life. I am a widow who is the sole supporter of my son. I do not live like a movie star. I pay all expense for representing Bangladesh. It is my way of giving back for the modest success that I enjoy.

NANCY CZAR BRETZFIELD

Honorary Consul General of Bangladesh

Los Angeles