The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, praised the contributions of Bangladeshi Americans in establishing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States.
The information was disclosed at the Bangladeshi Embassy in Washington on Thursday (March 28).
Earlier, on Tuesday evening (March 26), on the occasion of Bangladesh’s 54th Independence and National Day celebrations, during a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington D.C., Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu praised these contributions.
Bangladeshi Ambassador to the United States, Mohammad Imran, welcomed the guests at the reception held at the Bangabandhu Auditorium and spoke about the strong relationship between the two countries.
Referring to the significant number of Bangladeshi Americans living in the United States, Assistant Secretary of State Lu stated that their strength and extraordinary hard work have forged the foundation of relations between our two nations. He expressed pride in the way Bangladeshi Americans are contributing to the robust relationship between the two countries.
Assistant Secretary Lu also mentioned Bangladeshi American entrepreneurs who have achieved excellence in various fields through their unique entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. He concluded his remarks with “Shubho Jonmodin Bangladesh, Joy Bangla” (Happy Birthday Bangladesh, Victory to Bengal).
Bangladesh’s Ambassador Imran conveyed sincere greetings to all Bangladeshis residing at home and abroad on the occasion of the great Independence and National Day. He expressed deep reverence for Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the 30 million martyrs who sacrificed their lives for independence.
Ambassador Imran emphasized the importance of Bangladesh’s long-term partnership with the United States. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Bangladesh has been benefiting from the remarkable understanding and cooperation of the United States in its development endeavors.
He further stated that Bangladesh and the United States share different perspectives on establishing a free Indo-Pacific region for everyone’s prosperity. He believed sincerely that the two countries would be capable of making their relationship even stronger and advancing it to new areas of cooperation.
Ambassador Imran remarked that Bangladesh envisions transforming into a prosperous “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal) as dreamt by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and they seek further support and cooperation from all friendly nations.
Later, Ambassador Imran and Assistant Secretary Lu jointly hosted a cake-cutting ceremony with the presence of guests. Prior to this, the event began with the playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States. A documentary showcasing Bangladesh’s liberation war and development was also displayed.
Officials from the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Mission Office, various country ambassadors and diplomats, senior officials from the State Department, and representatives from the U.S. government, USAID, USITRA, NDI, IRI, and other organizations attended the event.
Former Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United States, Muhammad Ziauddin, former Alternate Executive Director of the World Bank and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr. Ahmed Kaikaus, elected State Senator from Virginia, Bangladeshi American Sadek Selim, and Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, Chairman of the United States branch of the Bangladesh Awami League, along with a significant number of Bangladeshi expatriates, were present at the event.
On the occasion of the great Independence and National Day, the Bangladesh Embassy organized a day-long program. It included raising the national flag, offering floral tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s portrait, a documentary display, and a discussion session followed by special prayers.
In the morning, Ambassador Imran inaugurated the day’s program by officially raising the national flag in the embassy courtyard. Later, he paid homage by offering floral tributes to Bangabandhu’s portrait. Minister (Consular) Mohammad Habibur Rahman and Minister (Press) A.J.M. Sazzad Hossain recited the President and Prime Minister’s speeches respectively.
Following this, a discussion session was held focusing on the significance of Independence and National Day. Counselor and Head of Mission Shamima Yasmin Smriti and First Secretary (Passport & Visa Wing) Muhammad Abdul Hai Milton managed the two parts of the day-long program at the embassy.
