DU Correspondent

The son of late US Senator Edward M. Kennedy and renowned American Politician Edward (“Ted”) M. Kennedy, JR delivered a Special Lecture on ‘Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of US-Bangladesh Relations’ at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban auditorium of Dhaka University (DU) on Monday .

DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman presided over the programme.

US Ambassador in Bangladesh Peter D. Haas and Cultural Affairs Attache of US Embassy in Dhaka Ms. Sharlina Morgan-Hussain also spoke on this occasion.

Edward (“Ted”) M. Kennedy, JR said, the friendly ties between Bangladesh and USA have been prevailing for the last 50 years.

This bi-lateral relationship will be further strengthened in next 50 years with mutual respect and cooperation, he hoped.

He recalled the long history of relationship between Bangladesh and USA and said, my father told us many stories about the people of Bangladesh as well as Dhaka University and Genocide of Pakistan Army in 1971.

He played a pivotal role in favour of Bangladesh struggle for independence. He took a bold step against the genocide committed by barbaric army of Pakistan during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.

During that time, US government supported and worked for the then West Pakistan but majority people of America were in favour of the Liberation War of Bangladesh, Kennedy, JR pointed out.

My father revealed the brutalities and atrocities of Pakistan Army to the world community after his visit to the refugee camps in India in1971. He also thanked Bangladesh government for providing shelter to the Myanmar’s Rohinga refugees.

Terming Dhaka University as one of the great universities in the world Kennedy, JR said, my father planted a banyan tree at this university during his visit in 1972. This banyan tree stands as a symbol of friendship of the people of two countries for the last 50 years. This tree will uphold the bonding of friendship among the next generation in the days to come, he hoped.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman thanked Edward (“Ted”) M. Kennedy, JR for upholding the values of his father.

He recalled outstanding contributions of late US Senator Edward M. Kennedy to draw public support in favour of Bangladesh during our great Liberation War in 1971.

Bangladesh now becomes a role model of development in the world under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The friendly ties between the people of two countries will be further strengthened through this visit of Edward (“Ted”) M. Kennedy, he hoped.

Earlier, Edward (“Ted”) M. Kennedy, JR along with his family members visited the banyan tree planted by his father.