Bangladesh, US built each other's history: Deputy Speaker

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal today said Bangladesh and the United States have made enduring contributions to each other's history and expressed optimism that the bilateral partnership would reach new heights through expanded cooperation in trade, technology, climate action and security.

Speaking as the chief guest at a musical performance marking the 250th anniversary of US independence at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, organised by the US Embassy in Dhaka, he said the friendship between Bangladesh and the United States had evolved beyond diplomacy into a strong people-to-people partnership.

"The iconic Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban was designed by renowned American architect Louis I. Kahn, while distinguished Bangladeshi-American structural engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan made extraordinary contributions to America's architectural landscape. These mutual contributions show that Bangladesh and the United States have, quite literally, helped shape each other's history," he said.

The Deputy Speaker recalled the historic "Concert for Bangladesh", organised by legendary musician George Harrison during the country's Liberation War in 1971, describing it as an unforgettable contribution that mobilised global support for Bangladesh and highlighted the humanitarian bond between the two nations.

He said the "Freedom 250" musical performance carried forward that same humanitarian and cultural spirit, strengthening ties between the peoples of Bangladesh and the United States beyond trade and diplomacy.

Referring to the current global context, Kayser said Bangladesh and the United States had immense potential to deepen cooperation in diplomatic dialogue, trade and investment, climate change adaptation, renewable energy, counterterrorism, maritime security, education, technology and human resource development.

He expressed hope that the existing partnership would reach new heights in the coming years and extended warm greetings and congratulations to the government and people of the United States on the occasion of the country's 250th Independence Day.

The Deputy Speaker also stressed the importance of further strengthening the longstanding friendship, mutual cooperation and future partnership between the two countries.

Opposition Leader in Parliament and Jamaat Ameer Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman described the United States as a trusted and longstanding friend of Bangladesh.

He said Washington's continued humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh reflected the depth of bilateral relations.

"We believe this bilateral relationship, built on mutual interests and shared goals and objectives, will become even stronger in the future, with the United States' continued contribution and joint commitment serving as key driving forces for sustainable development, regional stability and the promotion of democracy and human rights on the global stage," he said.

Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam Moni said Bangladesh and the United States had maintained longstanding cooperation in democracy, development and bilateral relations, expressing hope that such collaboration would further strengthen democratic institutions in both countries.

He said celebrating the 250th anniversary of US independence at the South Plaza of the iconic Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban symbolised the mutual trust, friendship and democratic values shared by the two countries.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen said the United States remained committed to strengthening global partnerships under its "America First" policy as it celebrated the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Recalling that America's Founding Fathers declared on July 4, 1776, that "all men are created equal", the envoy said the United States sought to further reinforce its longstanding partnership with Bangladesh, with sustainable security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and regional peace serving as key pillars of future collaboration.

Members of the Parliamentary Caucus on America, cabinet members, lawmakers, diplomats from the United States and other countries, senior officials of the Parliament Secretariat and representatives of print and electronic media attended the programme, reports BSS.