Congressman Dwight Evans (Democrat-Pennsylvania 2nd District) and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat-Pennsylvania 5th District) have congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh.

They were speaking at the community reception in Philadelphia on Monday organised by Bangladeshi American community to welcome Bangladesh Ambassador M. Shahidul Islam.

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Congressman Evans recalled his visit to Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazaar in 2019 and appreciated Bangladesh for hosting over million Rohingyas who fled genocide in Myanmar.

Terming herself as a “friend of Bangladesh”, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon expressed her interest in strengthening Bangladesh-US cooperation on wide-ranging issues.

Ambassador Shahidul Islam appreciated the Bangladeshi American community in Philadelphia for their leadership role in the mainstream American society.

He stressed the importance of making friends in the US society and requested Congressman Evans and Congresswoman Mary Gay to help revitalize the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus to carry forward Bangladesh-US relations.

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Bangladeshi American scientist-turned politician Dr. Nina Ahmad, President of the Philadelphia National Organization for Women Education Fund, also a former Adviser to President Barack Obama presided over the community meeting. Leading community personalities including Dr. Zia Ahmed, Dr. Ibrul Chowdhury, Ahsan Naratullah, Sheikh Islam, Tozammel Haque and Omi Islam spoke on the occasion.