Describing Bangladesh's relations with the US as cordial, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said a vested quarter is trying to create bitterness between Dhaka and Washington and spreading false information about Bangladesh.
He was speaking at a meeting organized by Bangabandhu Foundation’s United States chapter in New York's Bangali-dominated Jackson Heights on Monday.
The foreign minister said: “We have very friendly relations with the United States.”
“The US has similar beliefs and principles as us. Bangladesh is a country which fought for democracy. Although we won the election, we were not allowed to form a government in 1971. Instead, genocide was carried out on us and then Bangabandhu declared independence.”
Momen continued: "We declared independence to establish democracy, justice and human rights. Because of this, we had to sacrifice three million lives in our war for independence. Nowhere in the world have so many people sacrificed themselves for democracy and human rights in such a short period. We are the only nation in the world to have made such great sacrifices for democracy and human rights.”
The foreign minister said the United States believes in democracy and human rights – so the two countries have similar views and thoughts.
Mentioning that some people do not like development, the foreign minister called upon Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States to be vigilant about them.
He called on the Bangladeshi diaspora to stand up regardless of party affiliation to challenge those who lie about Bangladesh.
Referring to the soon-to-be-defunct Digital Security Act, he said: "We accept the good suggestions given by the United States as a friendly country."
“The United States expects free and fair elections, and we are committed to free and fair elections. But there are some people in our country who want to boycott the elections, fearing them. They are trying everything to thwart the election,” said the minister.