The US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes has said Bangladesh serves as a model in many ways for the rest of the world by rebuilding itself after the 1971 war and now forging the path toward economic growth, inclusion and development.

Ambassador Noyes praised Bangladeshi "leadership and generosity" as a host to over one million Rohingya refugees.

In 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas fled genocide in Myanmar, and Bangladesh opened its doors, and the people of the country opened their arms and hearts for the refugees, she said.

Noyes was speaking at a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC Thursday on the occasion of the 53rd Independence and National Day.

Bangladesh Ambassador to US Muhammad Imran gave the welcome address at the function held at the Bangabandhu Auditorium of the mission.

Noyes said in more than half a century of friendship, Bangladesh and the US have strengthened cooperation across a broad range of sectors. "The two countries have built close trade and investment ties fueled by vibrant diaspora community and strong business links."

Bangladesh and the US are deepening defence and development partnerships to build a safer and more prosperous future now and for generations to come, she said.

Noyes said she is proud that the US is the single largest donor to the Rohingya crisis. "The US is eager to continue and expand its collaboration with Bangladesh to address the host communities' needs and advance durable solutions for Rohingya refugees.

Imran said Bangladesh considers the US an important and valuable partner in its journey towards emerging as a peaceful and prosperous nation and looks forward to working closely with the country for stronger economic ties.

Bangladesh attaches high importance to its long-standing partnership with the US, he added.

Also, the ambassador thanked the US for its "steadfast support and commitment" to a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis.