US deputy assistant secretary lauds Bangladesh's remarkable progress

US deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Afreen Akhter has appreciated Bangladesh’s remarkable progress since its independence in 1971, saying the United States has been an important development partner in this journey.

The progress Bangladesh had made as a country had been truly remarkable, Akhter said on Saturday while speaking at a Victory Day reception hosted by the Bangladesh embassy in Washington.

The official said it was incredible that Bangladesh had lifted millions of people out of poverty over the past 52 years.

She also mentioned the deep economic relations between Bangladesh and the US, the embassy said in a statement.

Referring to her visit to Bangladesh on various occasions, the diplomat said during each visit, she was reminded of the strength, resilience and fortitude of the Bangladeshi people.

Those were the virtues that had led to Bangladesh's liberation, and those were the virtues that would carry Bangladesh forward in its journey, she said.

The Bangladesh embassy in Washington celebrated the country’s 53rd Victory Day with a fresh vow to build a hunger- and poverty-free happy and prosperous Bangladesh as envisaged by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and three million martyrs.

The day-long program included hoisting the national flag on the chancery premises, placing a floral wreath at the bust of Bangabandhu, reading out messages from the president, the prime minister, the foreign minister and the state minister for foreign affairs, hosting a reception and a cultural function, and offering a special prayer.

Afreen Akhter spoke as the guest of honour at the reception held at the Bangabandhu Auditorium of the embassy, while Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran delivered the welcome address.

Ambassador Imran also highlighted Bangladesh’s tremendous progress over the last 15 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

While talking about Bangladesh-US relations, the ambassador mentioned that the two countries had long-standing economic and commercial ties, before saying Bangladesh looked forward to working together closely with further engagements to take the relations to new heights.

Later, a cultural function was held where embassy officials and their spouses as well as employees performed patriotic songs.

Ambassadors and diplomats from different countries, officials of the US government, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora were present on the occasion.