"Bangladesh is potentially a crucial player in the struggle against Islamic extremism, and this is a crucial period for that country. The US has rare opportunity now to help shape the future of an important nation," the delegation said in a recent letter to Bush upon returning home after a protracted visit to Bangladesh last month.

The five-member delegation last month visited Bangladesh and held a series of high-level meetings with senior government leaders, civil and military officials and businessmen.

The delegation comprised US Congressman Curt Weldon, 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 came to Bangladesh to develop the framework for a major conference on homeland security issues to be held in Bangladesh later this year.

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

It warned that given the economic underdevelopment in that national along with political instability in recent years, "Bangladesh is vulnerable to extremist efforts to impose a violently anti-US regime on that nation".

Although Bangladesh is the world's third largest Muslim majority country, "the Bangladeshi form of Islam is generally moderate and tolerant and has co-existed comfortably with a secular government since its independence", the letter said.

But Bangladesh can be "a strong member of a moderate Islamic coalition that rejects fanaticism and terrorism", it added.

"Bangladesh's positive role and potential makes it all the more important 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."

The delegation observed that Bangladesh is now in a period of "political and economic transition" when key leaders are seeking to strengthen and deepen the national democratic political system and also crack down on "endemic" corruption.

"This is truly a historic moment in Bangladesh. A successful outcome is crucial to the future stability and political orientation of that nation," the delegation said.

Given the importance of the present moment for the future, they suggested that the US strengthen further its support for Bangladesh "by making every effort to support those far-sighted leaders who are working towards a genuine and corruption free democracy that is aligned with the West in its struggle against Islamic extremism".

On increased defence 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 programmes and visits are very much in the US national interest," the delegation's letter said.

"We, therefore, strongly urge that the US make Bangladesh a very high priority...By doing so, the US will ensure that Bangladesh strengthens its democratic system and increases its role as moderate and democratic Islamic ally in the global struggles we face in the twenty-first century," the delegation said.