Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC Celebrates 40th anniversary of Independence & National Day

USAnews: As part of the celebration of the 40^th anniversary of Independence and National day, the Embassy of Bangladesh hosted a reception at Bangabandhu auditorium of the Embassy March 28. Bangladesh Ambassador to USA and State Minister Akramul

Qader, Rifat Sultana Akram and officers of the Embassy welcomed the guests. Paying rich tributes to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Ambassador Qader, in his speech, recalled his (Bangabandhu’s) historic leadership in achieving the independence of the country. He also said that Bangladesh would not come into being in 1971 had Bangabandhu not born. Ambassador Qader also paid respect to the Martyrs of the war of Independence who made supreme sacrifices to liberate the country. 

The Bangladesh Ambassador said that the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina set the target of graduating Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021 which will coincide the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence. He expressed gratitude for the support of the people of the US during the crucial time of the Independence war. Referring to US-Bangladesh relations, Ambassador Qader said that the relations are based on shared ethos of democracy and development. He reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to further strengthening the relations in width and dimensions. The Bangladesh Ambassador in particular mentioned that Bangladesh is partnering with the United States on the four Presidential initiatives of the Obama administration; Global Health, food security, global climate change and engagement with Muslim communities.

Assistant Secretary of State at the Bureau of South and Central Asia Affairs at the US Department of State Ambassador Robert O’ Blake in his remarks conveyed greetings from President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the occasion of Bangladesh’s National and Independence Day. Expressing satisfaction at the current state of bilateral relations covering wide range of areas, Ambassador Blake also reiterated the US’ commitment to work closely with Bangladesh to further strengthen the relations. On the recent impasse centering on Dr. Yunus and Grameen Bank, Ambassador Blake mentioned that the US administration still has the conviction that the matter would be resolved amicably to the satisfaction of all parties.

Dignitaries from the US Government, members of the Washington-based diplomatic corps, representatives from leading think-tanks, academics, business leaders, media personalities and a large number of expatriate Bangladesh nationals, among others, attended the reception. The guests were served with traditional Bangladeshi cuisine.

Earlier in the morning of March 26,  the national flag of Bangladesh was ceremonially hoisted on the Embassy premises by Ambassador Akramul Qader. Messages from the President, Prime Minister and  Foreign Minister were also read out.  A special munajat was also offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls who made supreme sacrifices during the war of Independence. The Embassy of Bangladesh is publishing a souvenir to mark the Independence and National Day 2011.