Two US representatives - Congressman Dwight Evans (Democrat-Pennsylvania 2nd District) and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat-Pennsylvania 5th District) – have joined the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence in Philadelphia.
They congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion.
The Bangladeshi American community also welcomed the new Bangladesh Ambassador in the US M. Shahidul Islam during the celebration.
Congressman Evans recalled his visit to Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazaar in 2019 and appreciated Bangladesh for hosting over million Rohingyas who fled genocide in Myanmar.
Terming herself as a “friend of Bangladesh”, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon expressed her interest in strengthening Bangladesh-US cooperation on wide-ranging issues.
In his key-note address, Ambassador Shahidul Islam appreciated the Bangladeshi American community in Philadelphia for their leadership role in the mainstream American society.
He stressed the importance of making friends in the US society and requested Congressman Evans and Congresswoman Mary Gay to help revitalise the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus to carry forward Bangladesh-US relations.
Bangladeshi American scientist-turned politician Dr. Nina Ahmad, President of the Philadelphia National Organization for Women Education Fund, also a former Adviser to President Barack Obama, presided over the community meeting.
Leading community personalities including Dr. Zia Ahmed, Dr. Ibrul Chowdhury, Ahsan Naratullah, Sheikh Islam, Tozammel Haque and Omi Islam spoke on the occasion.
