The sad news of the passing away of the former United States Ambassador to Bangladesh, Mr. William B. Milam, at the ripe old age of 89, is not only the passing away of an experienced diplomat but also the passing away of a staunch and genuine friend of Bangladesh—a person who had come to know Bangladesh not only through the files and documents available in the U.S. Government but also through the people of Bangladesh and their aspirations and apprehensions for the future of Bangladesh and their unwavering trust in the democratic system of government. Mr. Milam was not only an observer of Bangladesh but also someone who had observed it with commitment and conviction, particularly during the critical period of Bangladesh’s transition to democracy in the late 1990s. It was an era of unrest and change in Bangladesh's young democracy. It was also an era in which the Ambassador’s service was characterized by his devotion to democracy and his willingness to tell the truth in the hour of greatest need. To those who believe in accountability, transparency, and the rule of law, the voice of Ambassador Milam came to symbolize the very best in the ‘art of diplomacy.’

A Diplomat of Principle in a Transforming Bangladesh

When William B. Milam served as U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh from 1998 to 2001, he entered a nation at a delicate yet defining stage of its democratic evolution. Bangladesh was navigating deep political polarization, fragile institutions, and the ongoing effort to consolidate democratic norms after decades of upheaval and turbulence. The stakes were high, and the direction the country would take depended heavily on the strength of its institutions and the integrity of its political processes. Ambassador Milam distinguished himself not by ceremonial diplomacy alone, but by principled clarity. Unlike many diplomats who remain confined to protocol and cautious language, he believed that true friendship between nations required candor. For him, partnership did not mean silence in the face of democratic concerns; it meant constructive honesty rooted in shared values. In his public engagements and policy positions, he consistently underscored the necessity of free and fair elections as the bedrock of representative governance. He emphasized the importance of judicial independence, arguing that justice must remain above political influence if democracy is to endure. He spoke firmly about the imperative of media freedom, recognizing that a free press is essential for transparency and accountability. Equally, he highlighted the strengthening of civil institutions, understanding that sustainable democracy depends on systems that function impartially and professionally. Through these positions, Ambassador Milam ensured that the United States was not perceived merely as a distant observer of Bangladesh’s political developments. Instead, he positioned his country as an engaged stakeholder—committed to supporting Bangladesh’s democratic journey, institutional resilience, and long-term stability.

Championing Democratic Institutions
Mr. William B. Milam was a diplomat who recognized the importance of democracy beyond the elections. Although the elections formed a vital part of the democratic system, it was only a part of the overall system. Nevertheless, to make the system more viable, the supporting structures had to earn the people's confidence. Therefore, during his stay in Bangladesh, Mr. William B. Milam championed the importance of the system's viability in the country. In addition, Mr. Milam championed the importance of transparent electoral systems. According to him, the government's viability was determined by public confidence. Therefore, free and fair elections laid the foundation for the state's sovereignty. Moreover, Mr. Milam championed the importance of a professional, non-partisan civil service. According to him, the government of the state was to be conducted not by the people but by the institutions, which could serve the interests of the state and not the interests of the political groups. Mr. Milam also championed the importance of a national security system accountable to the people. In countries with existing political tensions, the apolitical nature of law enforcement and security agencies plays a crucial role in sustaining public trust and the democratic system. Moreover, the ambassador recognized the need to empower the civil society in the country. According to the ambassador, a democratic system can be considered successful if the people, the media, the experts, and the advocacy groups are allowed to function, speak out against the status quo, and participate in the democratic process without fear. In a period when political tension in Bangladesh was the norm, the ambassador's efforts in diplomacy reminded the people that defending the democratic system was not about personalities or politics, but about the strength and legitimacy of the democratic system itself. Although it cannot be denied that the development of the democratic system in Bangladesh was largely the result of the efforts of the leaders, activists, and people of the country, it is also important to take into consideration the efforts of the international voices, such as the ambassador, who believed that the stability of the nation rested not on the personalities of the politicians, but on the strength and legitimacy of the democratic system itself.

A Friend to Civil Society and Independent Media
Ambassador Milam’s overtures were not limited to the halls of government. He reached out to journalists, scholars, human rights advocates, and civil society organizations as well. Milam knew that Bangladesh’s vitality lay in its civil society. His support for a free and independent media was also laudable. In a country where the press often found itself under stress, Milam became a strong advocate for the role of a free press in a democratic society. To a press that valued its independence, Milam became a source of comfort, knowing that the global rules for a democratic society were relevant in Bangladesh too. To many in Bangladesh, Milam was not only a man from Washington but a thinker who listened and responded thoughtfully.

Economic Cooperation and Strategic Engagement
The era under Ambassador William B. Milam was marked by the recognition of the economic opportunities that Bangladesh was beginning to realize. Indeed, the advent of the new millennium marked a period of gradual but significant change for Bangladesh. The ready-made garment industry was rising steadily, remittance was providing stability to the balance of trade, and emerging economic reforms were beginning to shape the economic development trajectory for Bangladesh. Bangladesh has not yet risen to the level of recognition it now enjoys in the world arena. However, economic development begins with opportunity and structure. Ambassador Milam was responsible for fostering trade relations between the U.S. and Bangladesh. Economic trade was not viewed merely as the exchange of goods but rather as a bridge to economic cooperation. The economic trade relations were viewed as a means to foster trust while fast-tracking Bangladesh into the global economy. Simultaneously, the Ambassador recognized the importance of investing in labor standards. Indeed, he recognized that the sustainability of Bangladesh’s garment industry was not based solely on competitiveness but also on ethical standards. He believed in uplifting people rather than exploiting their weaknesses. He also emphasized the importance of building a better framework of economic governance in the country. Effective and transparent regulatory mechanisms, financial management, and governance are the pillars of long-term investment and the sustainability of macroeconomic stability. In his view, the problems of governance and growth are intertwined and inseparable. He also emphasized the importance of tapping into the global market and encouraged Bangladesh to integrate into it. Globalization, in his view, is not a threat; it is a window of opportunity that has to be accessed in the wrong context. Ambassador Milam's approach to economic cooperation and ethics is holistic and consistent, and he emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between the two in the context of sustainable development and growth. Today, as Bangladesh emerges as a major garment exporter and a major player in regional politics in South Asia, the roots of the past, including its service period, are embedded in the context of Bangladesh-U.S. relations.

Navigating Geopolitical Reality with Integrity

Bangladesh is a nation situated between South and Southeast Asia and bordered by the Bay of Bengal. Politics and security issues between countries in the region are closely associated with the development of democracy in Bangladesh during Milam’s tenure. Partnership is not about quid pro quo but about principle. This was the foundation of the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh, according to Milam. This perspective supports the idea that democracy and partnership are not mutually exclusive but rather mutually inclusive. Beyond the Office: Continuing Engagement with South Asia Ambassador Milam was not just someone who served in the diplomatic arena but also someone who continued to engage with the politics of South Asia. Ambassador Milam continued to write and offer commentary on the status of democracy in Bangladesh. His commentary was not necessarily partisan but rather nuanced. Ambassador Milam was of the view that criticism, should it be necessary, should be offered in a manner that supports change and Bangladesh’s need to reform itself, while at the same time maintaining the goodwill of the international community.

Why Bangladesh Will Remember Him
William B. Milam will be remembered in the complex history of Bangladesh-U.S. relations for one thing above all else: He treated Bangladesh like a nation worthy of respect, not condescension. He didn’t romanticize its problems. He didn’t ignore its flaws. But he never questioned its promise. In times of doubt, he gave voice to the importance of democratic virtue. In times of progress, he recognized his achievements. And throughout, he insisted that friendship between nations must be grounded in shared values. To many in Bangladesh, in academia, journalism, civil society, and politics, Milam was more than an ambassador. He was a source of hope and inspiration because he believed in democracy in Bangladesh.

A Legacy That Endures
The real test of a diplomat cannot be gauged by the number of agreements he signs, the number of statements he makes, or the number of receptions he attends. The real test of a diplomat is gauged by the trust he generates, the moral clarity he shows, and the principles he upholds—even in the face of adversity. In this regard, it is apparent that Ambassador William B. Milam’s legacy in Bangladesh endures far beyond his tenure as a diplomat there. The basis of his enduring legacy in Bangladesh is threefold: Firstly, he was a strong believer that democracy had to be defended every day. Democracy was not an achievement that was to be secured once and then forgotten. Democracy was to be fought for every day through transparency and vigilance. Democracy was a way of life that had to be constantly nurtured and protected. Secondly, he was a strong believer that institutions were more important than people. Though people played an important role in governance, institutions had to be stronger than people in order to ensure that democracy was sustainable in any country. His emphasis on institutions was one that was evident in his work as a diplomat in Bangladesh. Thirdly, he was a strong believer that true friendship between nations was based on honesty and respect. True friends do not shy away from speaking the hard truth to one another; instead, they embrace it as a way to deepen their relationship, grounded in shared values and principles they uphold with respect and admiration for one another. In the journey that Bangladesh continues to undertake in terms of reforms, elections, economic development, and regional complexities, it is worth remembering that there were people who stood by their principles and fought hard to ensure that democracy was upheld in that country. Ambassador Milam’s legacy endures in that regard as well.

A Personal Reflection: Mentor, Guide, and Friend of Bangladesh
The passing of Ambassador William B. Milam has created a significant vacuum, not only in the diplomatic world but in the lives of all who knew the man personally and worked alongside him in times that counted most. For Jon Danilowicz, the loss of the man he worked with in two countries and in a cause, they shared in later years is both personal and professional.
Jon Danilowicz worked with Milam in both Bangladesh and Pakistan, two countries where a diplomat needed more than skill and tact; he needed a strong moral compass. And then, in later years, Milam and Danilowicz worked together at the human rights nonprofit organization Milam founded, dedicated to promoting and protecting democracy and freedom worldwide. But, as Danilowicz says, Milam was more than a boss.
He was a mentor, a guide, and a father figure who offered counsel on character as well as policy, and a strong but never dominant leader, moral but never pretentious. Milam knew that diplomacy wasn’t just about dealing with governments; it was about standing with people, especially in times of challenge to democracy's values.
One of the most significant events in the life of Danilowicz was his accompaniment of Ambassador Milam on his long-awaited return to Bangladesh a year ago. In many respects, it was a full circle diplomat returning to a country he loved so dearly, and his protégé seeing firsthand the enduring connection between a diplomat and his people who had embraced his ideals of democracy from the outset. That return, the result of the tireless efforts of many well-wishers, became a living testament to Ambassador Milam’s lasting influence in Bangladesh.
As Danilowicz reflected on the passing of his beloved mentor, he said: "I was so grateful that Ambassador Milam had the opportunity to see democracy restored in the country he loved so dearly, even in his last chapter of life that was a testament to the ideals that he had championed throughout his life."
Rest assured, the mission will continue. Through the organization that Ambassador Milam so lovingly created and through the dedicated efforts of countless people he inspired along the way, his ideals of democracy and freedom will live on.

Mr. Ghulam Suhrawardi, publisher of South Asia Journal and a businessman based in New Jersey, said:

“I had the distinct honor of knowing Ambassador William B. Milam not only as a successful and committed diplomat, but also as a respected colleague in our common association with Right to Freedom. In his capacity as a board member, I saw firsthand his unstinting commitment to the ideals of democracy and the common cause of human rights. His commitment was not superficial; it was personal, profound, and guided by a strong moral sense.”

The contribution of Ambassador Milam to Bangladesh's democratic process has been historic and profound. During the critical transition from military rule under General Ershad to parliamentary democracy, and during the period of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, he was a consistent champion of integrity in the system, free and fair elections, and the strengthening of the democratic process. He has not stood apart from the process of history; he has shaped it with courage and commitment, offering support in the moments of democracy's greatest need for grit and integrity.

“Bangladesh has lost a true and trusted friend. The world's crusade for democracy has lost a noble and committed champion. Yet his legacy lives on embedded in the annals of Bangladesh's journey to democracy and in the lives of all he has touched.”

My tribute to William B. Milam is not only professional but also deeply personal. I had the privilege to know him beyond his official persona. He was not only my mentor and one of my valued referees but also a mentor to me, providing his time, wisdom, and support unstintingly. I had many telephone conversations with him over the years. Every conversation I had with him left a lasting impression. What struck me every time I spoke with him was his expression of affection and admiration for Bangladesh. He did not discuss Bangladesh in geopolitical or international affairs jargon but expressed his genuine admiration for its people, their determination, their hopes and dreams, and their commitment to democracy. He never discussed Bangladesh in terms of current affairs or policy issues, but he expressed his genuine admiration for its people, their determination, hopes and dreams, and their commitment to democracy. He had a deep understanding of Bangladesh but never compromised his commitment to its democratic prospects. He was not only a distinguished diplomat to me but also a mentor, and I had a very high opinion of his intellectual honesty, his commitment to what he believed in, and his genuine affection and admiration for Bangladesh. William B. Milam was indeed a friend of Bangladesh. And in celebrating his life, Bangladesh pays tribute to a diplomat, a genuine well-wisher, and a principled supporter of Bangladesh in its struggle to achieve and nurture its democracy. May he rest in peace.