A key Congressional Committee on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of career foreign service official Earl Robert Miller as the next US Ambassador to Bangladesh.
The nomination of Miller was confirmed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by a voice vote, along with several other diplomatic positions.
Currently serving as US Ambassador to Botswana, Miller was nominated as US Ambassador to Bangladesh by President Donald Trump in July.
His nomination now moves to the full Senate. If confirmed by the Senate Miller would replace Marcia Bernicat as US Ambassador to Bangladesh.
During his confirmation hearing on August 23, Miller had said that United States remains concerned about recent trends in democracy and human rights in Bangladesh. “We remain troubled about reports of attacks on vulnerable populations, political violence, and extrajudicial killings allegedly committed by security forces,” he told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Referring to the upcoming national elections, he said, this is an opportunity for Bangladesh to reaffirm its commitment to democracy and the rule of law by holding free, fair, credible, and participatory elections that reflect the will of the Bangladeshi people.
“To do so, all parties must be free to participate fully in the political process. Freedom of expression and the press is also vital for a healthy democracy,” he said.
Miller told lawmakers that the US is committed to a free and open IndoPacific, expanding its partnership with Bangladesh in support of good governance and fundamental rights and liberties, open access to seas and airways, peaceful resolution of territorial and maritime disputes, and free and reciprocal trade.
“We cooperate closely with Bangladesh on counterterrorism, ensuring threats do not grow and threaten to destabilize the region. We do so in a manner consistent with the rule of law and respect for human rights,” Miller said.
Prior to his ambassadorship in Botswana, he served as Consul General in Johannesburg, South Africa from 2011 to 2014. He also was Regional Security Officer at embassies in New Delhi from 2008 to 2011; Baghdad from 2007 to 2008; and Jakarta from 2004 to 2007.
Miller served in senior leadership positions at six United States missions overseas and in the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service in the United States.
He served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps from 1981 to 1984 and the Marine Corps Reserve from 1985 to 1992. Miller earned a B.A. at the University of Michigan and graduated from the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College.
He received awards including the State Department Award for Heroism, Federal Bureau of Investigation Shield of Bravery, and Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Bravery Award.
His military awards include the Navy Commendation Medal with “V” (Valor) Device, Navy Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.
Miller speaks French, Spanish and Indonesian.