US Department of State’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Dean Thompson has said Bangladesh continues an impressive journey as a regional leader and an economic force in South Asia, and laid emphasis on working together to realize many opportunities in the next 50 years.
“Let’s work together to realize many opportunities in the next 50 years (that) our partnership will surely bring,” he said while addressing a function as guest of honour, reports UNB.
The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said Bangladesh and the USA will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in the coming year – 2022.
“As we look forward to that important milestone, I’m pleased and proud of the progress US-Bangladesh relationship made over the last 50 years,” he said.
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington DC has celebrated the 50th Victory Day of Bangladesh with due respect and enthusiasm.
The day’s programme started by joining the live telecast of the oath-taking ceremony administered by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Embassy officials also took the oath together with the prime minister and the whole nation.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam, along with the Bangladeshi diplomats and members of the staff of the Embassy, officially hoisted the national flag of Bangladesh in the Embassy premises.
Earlier, the Ambassador placed a floral wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The messages on the occasion of the Victory Day from President Md Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam were read out by the senior officers of the Embassy.
In the second part of the programme held in the evening, after playing the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States, Bangladesh Ambassador and the Dean Thompson delivered their speeches.
Ambassador Shahidul Islam recalled with profound reverence the greatest Bengali of all time and the founding Father of Bangladesh Bangabandhu, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led the entire nation in the emergence of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh.
He also paid deep homage to three million martyrs for their supreme sacrifices and two hundred thousand women dishonored during the Liberation War.
“We share the same vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-pacific region. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is willing to work closely with the Biden administration by setting aside any differences – if there is any. I believe our countries will be able to strengthen and advance the relationship further in the spirit of friendship and partnership,” Ambassador Shahidul Islam said.
The day’s programme ended with a pleasant cultural soiree. The Embassy family members, Bangladesh community members and State Department representatives performed at the event.
