US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated the people of Bangladesh on behalf of the United States on the eve of Independence Day celebrations on Tuesday, saying Washington is proud to partner with Dhaka.
“The United States is proud to partner with Bangladesh on many of today’s most pressing issues, including combating climate change, advancing economic development, responding to the Rohingya refugee crisis, supporting peacekeeping operations worldwide and addressing global health challenges,” he said in a statement.
“Our partnership plays an important role in ensuring a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”
As Bangladesh celebrates another year of independence, the top US diplomat said: “We reaffirm our commitment to strengthening democratic governance and protecting human rights – efforts which will increase Bangladesh’s prosperity.”
“I extend warm wishes to all Bangladeshis on this special day and look forward to enhancing the partnership and people-to-people ties between our two countries in the year ahead,” read the statement.
On this day 53 years ago, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan, which was followed by a united people taking part in the Liberation War.
After a nine-month war, Bangladesh was liberated on December 16, 1971.
The government has organized elaborate programs to celebrate the day.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the nation on Monday evening on the occasion.