US stands by Bangladesh's democratic govt, ready to assist: State Dept official Sarah Aldrich
USA Bureau
Sarah Aldrich, Acting Director of the Office of South and Central Asian Affairs at the US State Department, has stated that the United States stands firmly by Bangladesh's democratic government and remains prepared to provide any necessary assistance.
She made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a commemorative event held on Friday (August 28) at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington D.C. to mark the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising of 2024.
Recalling the supreme sacrifices made by students and citizens during the July uprising, Aldrich noted that democracy has been established in Bangladesh through the mass movement, and the country is now being governed by an elected administration.
"The United States believes Bangladesh is on the right path," she said. Overcoming various post-uprising complexities, the interim administration successfully completed a free and credible election within a short span of time. Stating that political and economic relations between the US and Bangladesh have grown stronger.
Speaking as the special guest, Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, observed that the transformation initiated by Bangladesh’s Gen-Z youth through the mass uprising has resonated across many countries worldwide, making the July movement profoundly significant.
The event commenced with a minute of silence observed in memory of the martyrs who laid down their lives to end autocratic rule, restore democracy, bring qualitative changes to state and societal structures, and eliminate discrimination.
Ambassadors and diplomats from various countries, senior officials from the State Department and other US agencies, expatriate Bangladeshis, and officials and employees of the embassy attended the program.
A documentary titled 'Julaikanya', depicting the vital contributions of women during the July movement, was screened during the event.
Welcoming attendees, Bangladesh Ambassador to the US Tareq Md. Ariful Islam paid deep respects to all the martyrs of the mass uprising.
The program was conducted by Nazneen Sultana, Counselor (Political-2) of the embassy.
