US values friendship with Bangladesh: Biden

President of the United States of America Joseph R. Biden has said his country values friendship with Bangladesh and look forward to strengthen the ties over the next 50 years and beyond.

“The United States values our friendship with Bangladesh, and we believe that shared commitments to democracy and human rights form the foundation of strong partnerships,” he wrote in a letter.

The US president also wrote that he looks forward to working with Bangladesh “to strengthen these commitments to build an even brighter future for the people of our nations over the next 50 years and beyond”.

US ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller read out his president’s letter in a video message that was aired at the celebration at National Pard Ground this afternoon marking the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Terming Bangladesh as an example of economic progress and a country of great hope and opportunity, Biden congratulated Bangladesh’s people for their ‘remarkable achievements’.

He said Bangladesh’s hosting of one million Rohingyas is an example to the world of humanity and generosity.

“The United States will continue to be a steadfast partner in finding a durable solution to this crisis,” he said.

The US president also applauded Bangladesh’s commitment on climate change and said his administration looks forward working closely with Dhaka on this important issue.

He extended his best wishes to the people of Bangladesh on this important and historic day of celebration.

“On behalf of the United States, I congratulate the people of Bangladesh as you celebrate your nation’s 50th anniversary of independence,” he wrote.

In the video message, Miller also quoted from Senator Edward Kennedy’s speech, delivered on the campus of Dhaka University in February 1972, – “For generations to come, the story of Bangladesh will be a lesson to the world. The birth of the Bengali nation will be an inspiration to other people in other lands”.

On behalf of the US embassy in Dhaka, Miller said, they honor the vision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and salute the extraordinary journey of the Bangladeshi people.

“We send our best wishes for a bright prosperous future for all Bangladeshis that honor the sacrifices and democratic principles of the nation’s founding,” he said.