Former US Ambassador William B. Milam Dies at 89; ambassador Mushfique Envoy Pays Tribute

Former United States Ambassador to Bangladesh William B. Milam has passed away at the age of 89. He breathed his last in Sacramento, California.

 

The news was confirmed by Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, who shared the information in posts on his official Facebook account and on X (formerly Twitter).

 

In his posts, Ambassador Ansarey said he received the news of Milam’s death via email from his daughter, **Erica Milam, a professor at Princeton University. Shortly afterward, former US diplomat Jon Danilowicz confirmed the news through a WhatsApp message.

 

Expressing deep shock and sorrow, Ambassador Ansarey described Milam as “an unwavering friend of Bangladesh” and a personal mentor. He noted that Milam played a significant role in guiding him professionally in Washington, including supporting the establishment of the human rights organization “Right to Freedom,” his involvement with “South Asia Perspectives (SAP)” magazine, and his engagement with the Wilson Center.

 

Milam joined the US Foreign Service in 1962 and served as the United States Ambassador to Bangladesh from 1990 to 1993. During a crucial period in Bangladesh’s political transition, including the fall of military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad’s regime, he was widely regarded as supportive of democratic aspirations and human rights.

 

Before retiring, Milam served as US Ambassador to Pakistan from 1998 to 2001 and earlier as Ambassador to Liberia from 1995 to 1998, where he was involved in diplomatic efforts during the country’s post-conflict transition. Following the September 11 attacks, he returned to service to assist in multilateral initiatives related to Afghanistan’s reconstruction. He also served as Chargé d’Affaires in Tripoli, Libya.

 

Throughout his distinguished diplomatic career, Milam received several prestigious honors, including the State Department’s James Clement Dunn Award, the Superior Honor Award, and the Presidential Meritorious Service Award.

 

In his tribute on Facebook and X, Ambassador Ansarey said Bangladesh has lost a genuine friend, while he personally has lost a wise mentor and guardian. He prayed for the eternal peace of Milam’s soul.