Diplomatic Correspondent

US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Ambassador Donald Lu has highly appreciated the contributions of the Bangladeshi Americans to building the foundations of bilateral relations between the two nations.

Donald Lu was addressing as the Guest of Honour a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Tuesday evening on the occasion of the celebration of the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh, said a press release.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran delivered the welcome address at the function held at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Mission.

Donald Lu said there are a huge number of Bangladeshi Americans in the United States and it’s their strength and tremendous hard work that builds the foundation of the excellent relations between the two countries.

“We are so proud of the work of the Bangladeshi Americans what they do to support the relations between our two great nations,” he said.

In this connection, Donald Lu referred to Bangladeshi-American entrepreneurs who have excelled in different fields with their unique and innovative ideas.

The US Assistant Secretary of State concluded his remarks by saying, “Happy Birthday Bangladesh and Joy Bangla”.

In his welcome remarks, Bangladesh Ambassador Muhammad Imran extended heartfelt greetings to all Bangladeshi people living at home at abroad on the occasion of the great Independence and National Day.

He also paid deep homage to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and three million martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of independence.

Ambassador Imran said Bangladesh attaches high importance to its long-standing partnership with the United States. Ever since the establishment of our two countries’ relations, there prevailed excellent understanding and collaboration with the United States playing a positive role in Bangladesh’s development journey.

He mentioned that Bangladesh also shares with the United States a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region with shared prosperity for all. We sincerely believe that two countries will be able to strengthen and advance the relationship further and explore new areas of cooperation, Ambassador Imran said.

He said Bangladesh looks forward to the support and cooperation from all its friends to realize the dream of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to transform Bangladesh into “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal), a hunger-and poverty-free prosperous Bangladesh.

Later, the US Assistant Secretary of State and the Bangladesh Ambassador jointly cut a cake in the presence of the guests. Earlier, the reception began with the playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States. It was followed by a screening of a documentary on the Liberation War and development of Bangladesh.

Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales, Director, Office of Foreign Missions, US State Department, Ambassadors and diplomats of different countries, senior officials of the State Department, and representatives from the US Government, USAID, USTR, NDI, IRI and other organizations were present at the function.

The event was also attended by Ambassador Mr. Muhammad Ziauddin, Ambassador at Large of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and former Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA, Dr. Ahmed Kaikaus, ex-Alternate Executive Director of World Bank Group and Principal Secretary to Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Mr. Saddam Selim, a Bangladeshi American elected a State Senator from Virginia and Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, the President of the US chapter of Bangladesh Awami League and the members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.

To celebrate the great Independence and National Day, the Bangladesh Embassy arranged daylong programs that included hoisting of the National Flag, placing a floral wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, screening of a documentary and holding a discussion session and a special prayer.

The day’s programs began in the morning with ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador Muhammad Imran on the Chancery premises. Officials and employees of the Mission were present on the occasion.

Later, the Ambassador placed a floral wreath on the bust of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the presence of the officials of the Embassy.

The messages issued on the occasion by the Hon'ble President, Hon'ble Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister were read out by Minister (Consular) Mohammad Habibur Rahman, Minister (Press) AZM Sajjad Hossain and Counsellor and Head of Chancery Ms Shamima Yeasmin Smrite.

Later, a discussion session highlighting the significance of the Independence and National Day was held at the Bangabandhu Auditorium. Counsellor and Head of Chancery of Bangladesh Embassy Shamima Yeasmin Smrite and First Secretary (Passport and Visa Wing) Muhammad Abdul Hye Milton conducted the two parts of the programs.