Opposition Leader in Parliament and Jamaat Ameer Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday expressed hope that Bangladesh-US relations would continue to deepen based on shared democratic values and mutual respect.

He made the remarks while speaking at the "Freedom 250" event marking the 250th anniversary of American independence at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Dr Shafiqur also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of the United States on the 250th anniversary of the country's independence.

He called for transforming the current Bangladesh-US relationship from one of friendship into a genuine partnership based on trade, security cooperation and mutual support for democratic institutions.

The Opposition Leader also thanked the United States for its long-standing humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees sheltered in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char.

Referring to the Middle East, Dr Shafiqur said, "I welcome the recent diplomatic efforts of the United States to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, including the ceasefire agreement with Iran, and call for continued efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region."

The Bangladesh Parliamentary Caucus on America and the US Embassy in Dhaka jointly organised the event.

Dr Shafiqur congratulated the Parliamentary Caucus on America for its work and said the core responsibility of parliamentary diplomacy is to protect the interests of disadvantaged and marginalised groups, including refugee families, people in flood-affected areas and voiceless working people.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal attended the event as the chief guest. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen also spoke at the programme, which was conducted by Dr Md Mahbubur Rahman, MP, co-chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus on America.