US 250th Independence Day celebrated at Parliament Building's South Plaza

With a commitment to further strengthening the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and the United States, the 250th Independence Day of the United States was celebrated through a colorful cultural event at the South Plaza of the National Parliament.

The US Embassy in Dhaka organized the event on Saturday (July 4). Speaking as the chief guest, Deputy Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, said that the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States is not merely diplomatic or economic, but deeply rooted in history and culture.

He noted that the National Parliament Building was designed by American architect Louis Kahn, while Bangladeshi-American engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan made outstanding contributions to modern American architecture. He remarked that such mutual contributions symbolize the solid foundation of the relationship between the two countries.

Recalling the global support for Bangladesh during the Liberation War, the Deputy Speaker stated that legendary musician George Harrison's historic Concert for Bangladesh remains a unique example of humanitarian solidarity. He added that the current event carries forward that tradition of humanitarian and cultural bonds.

He further mentioned that there are vast opportunities for cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States in various sectors, including combating climate change, trade and investment, renewable energy, technology, education, human resource development, counter-terrorism, and maritime security. He expressed optimism that the existing partnership between the two nations will expand even further in the future.

Speaking at the event, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman, said that the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States is built on a time-tested friendship of many years. Highlighting the continuous assistance from the United States during the humanitarian crisis of the Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh, he expressed hope that bilateral relations would become stronger based on mutual interests and shared goals. He also anticipated enhanced joint initiatives for sustainable development, regional stability, democracy, and human rights.

Chief Whip of the National Parliament, Md. Nurul Islam Moni, stated that the long-standing cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States in democracy and development will continue in the future. He termed the celebration of the 250th anniversary of US independence in front of the iconic Parliament Building as a symbol of mutual trust, friendship, and democratic values between the two nations.

The US Ambassador to Bangladesh also spoke at the event. He stated that the United States aims to strengthen global partnerships based on the ideals set forth by the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. He expressed a commitment to deepening Bangladesh-US relations while working together to enhance security, peace, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The event was attended by members of the cabinet, members of parliament, diplomats from various countries, officials of the Parliament Secretariat, and representatives from various media outlets.