President Joe Biden issued one of his most dire warnings yet that Donald Trump and his allies are a menace to American democracy, declaring Thursday that the former president is more interested in personal power than upholding the nation's core values and suggesting even mainstream Republicans are complicit. "The silence is deafening," he said. During a speech in Arizona celebrating a library to be built honoring his friend and fierce Trump critic, the late Republican Sen. John McCain, Biden repeated one of his key campaign themes, branding the "Make America Great Again" movement as an existential threat to the U.S. political system. He's reviving that idea ahead of next year's presidential race after it buoyed Democrats during last fall's midterm election, laying out the threat in especially stark terms: "There's something dangerous happening in America right now." "We should all remember, democracies don't have to die at the end of a rifle," Biden said. "They can die when people are silent, when they fail to stand up or condemn threats to democracy, when people are willing to give away that which is most precious to them because they feel frustrated, disillusioned, tired, alienated." The 2024 election is still more than a year away, yet Biden's focus reflects Trump's status as the undisputed frontrunner for his party's nomination despite facing four indictments, two of them related to his attempts to overturn Biden's 2020 victory. Trump campaign reports raising more than $7 million after Georgia booking The president's speech was his fourth in a series of addresses on what he sees as challenges to democracy, a topic that is a touchstone for him as he tries to remain in office in the face of low approval ratings and widespread concern from voters about his age, 80. He used this line of political attack frequently ahead of last year's midterms, when Democrats gained a Senate seat and only narrowly lost the House to the GOP. But shifting the narrative in Washington could be especially tricky given that Biden is facing mounting pressure on Capitol Hill, where House Republicans held the first hearing in their impeachment inquiry and where the prospect of a government shutdown looms — a prospect Trump has actively egged on. On the first anniversary of Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters staged an insurrection, Biden visited the Capitol and accused Trump of continuing to hold a "dagger" at democracy's throat. He closed out the summer that year in the shadow of Philadelphia's Independence Hall, decrying Trumpism as a menace to democratic institutions. And in November, as voters were casting midterm ballots, Biden again sounded a clarion call to protect democratic institutions. Advisers see the president's continued focus on democracy as both good policy and good politics. Campaign officials have pored over the election results from last November, when candidates who denied the 2020 election results did not fare well in competitive races, and point to polling that showed democracy was a highly motivating issue for voters in 2022. "Our task, our sacred task of our time, is to make sure that they change not for the worst but for the better, that democracy survives and thrives, not be smashed by a movement more interested in power than a principle," Biden said Thursday. "It's up to us, the American people." Like previous speeches the latest location was chosen for effect. It was near Arizona State University, which houses the McCain Institute, named after the late senator, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee who spent his public life denouncing autocrats around the globe. Biden said that "there is no question that today's Republican Party is driven and intimidated by MAGA extremists." He pointed to Trump's recent suggestion that Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who is stepping down from his post on Friday, should be executed for allegedly treasonous betrayal of him. House Republicans make their case for Biden impeachment inquiry at first hearing "Although I don't believe even a majority of Republicans think that, the silence is deafening," Biden added. He also noted that Trump has previously questioned those who serve in the U.S. military calling "service members suckers and losers. Was John a sucker?" Biden asked, referring to McCain, who survived long imprisonment in Vietnam. Then he got even more personal adding, "Was my son, Beau — who lived next to a burn pit for a year and came home and died — was he a sucker for volunteering to serve his country?" The late senator's wife, Cindy McCain, said the library, which is still to be built, grew out of bipartisan support from Biden, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs and her predecessor, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey. She called it "a fitting legacy for my husband" and recalled how the Bidens introduced her to her future husband decades ago. "I am so grateful for that," Cindy McCain said, her voice cracking. Later Thursday, the Treasury Department announced $83 million in federal funds to help construct the 83,000-square-foot library near Papago Park. Republicans competing with Trump for their party's 2024 presidential nomination have largely avoided challenging his election falsehoods, and Biden said Thursday that voters can't let them get away with it. "Democracy is not a partisan issue," he said. "It's An American issue." After the speech, Biden spoke at an Arizona fundraiser for his reelection campaign. The attendees included Brittney Griner, the basketball star who was arrested last year at the airport in Moscow on drug-related charges and detained for nearly 10 months. Biden tells Pacific islands leaders that he hears their warnings about climate change and will act A number of candidates who backed Trump's election lies and were running for statewide offices with some influence over elections — governor, secretary of state, attorney general — lost their midterm races in every presidential battleground state. Still, in few states does Biden's message of democracy resonate more than in Arizona, which became politically competitive during Trump's presidency after seven decades of Republican dominance. Biden's victory made the state a hotbed of efforts to overturn or cast doubt on the results, and some GOP candidates continue to deny basic facts on elections. That's help reinforce other claims from Democrats about GOP extremism on other, separate issues, said Republican officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to candidly describe the party's election shortcomings last year. Though Trump-animated forces in the party dominate public attention, many Republican voters were concerned about other issues such as the economy and the border and did not want to focus on an election result that was two years old. Republican state lawmakers used their subpoena power to obtain all the 2020 ballots and vote-counting machines from Maricopa County, then hired Trump supporters to conduct an unprecedented partisan review of the election. The widely mocked spectacleconfirmed Biden's victory but fueled unfounded conspiracy theories about the election and spurred an exodus of election workers. In the midterms, voters up and down the ballot rejected Republican candidates who repeatedly denied the results of the 2020 election. But Kari Lake, the GOP gubernatorial candidate, has never conceded her loss to Hobbs and plans to launch a bid for the U.S. Senate. Last year, Republican Senate candidate Blake Masters and Mark Finchem, who ran for secretary of state, also repeated fraudulent election claims in their campaigns. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., who defeated Masters, said the importance of defending democracy resonates not only with members of his own party but independents and moderate GOP voters. "I met so many Republicans that were sick and tired of the lies about an election that was two years old," Kelly said. Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego, who is seeking the Democratic nomination in next year's Senate race, said a democracy-focused message is particularly important to two critical blocs of voters in the state: Latinos and veterans, both of whom Gallego said are uniquely affected by election denialism and the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. "You know, we come from countries and experiences where democracy is very corrupt, and many of us are only one generation removed from that, but we're close enough to see how bad it can be," Gallego said. "And so Jan. 6 actually was particularly jarring, I think, to Latinos."

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has described Bangladesh's relationship with the United States as "outstandingly warm and cordial," but noted that some quarters are trying to inject bitterness into this relationship through lies. The foreign minister said that the United States believes in democracy and human rights. "So, there is similarity in our views and thoughts with the United States. In principle, the two countries have similarities. However, some individuals may not appreciate our development," Momen said, calling upon the Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States to be vigilant. Govt can't guarantee violence-free election without support from all: FM Momen He urged the Bangladeshi diaspora to take a stand, regardless of their political affiliation, to challenge those who lie about Bangladesh. The foreign minister was speaking at a views-exchange meeting organized by the Bangabandhu Foundation in New York's Bangladeshi-dominated Jackson Heights on September 26. The foreign minister said, "We have remarkably friendly relations with the United States. America believes in the same principles and values we believe in. Bangladesh is the country where we have fought for democracy. Although we won the popular vote, we were not allowed to form the government in 1971. Rather, genocide was unleashed on us, and then Bangabandhu declared independence." FM Momen for strengthening trade, investment ties with African nations Momen said Bangladesh declared independence to establish democracy, justice, and human rights. "Because of this, we had to sacrifice three million lives during the Liberation War. Nowhere in the world have so many people sacrificed themselves for democracy and human rights in such a short period of time. We are the only nation in the world that has made such great sacrifices for democracy and human rights," he added. Referring to the replacement of the Digital Security Act, he said, the government accepted the suggestions provided by the United States as a friendly country. Read Cyber Security Bill before making comments: FM "The United States expects free and fair elections, and we are also committed to free and fair elections. But there are some people in our country who want to boycott the elections, they fear elections," the foreign minister said, referring to the opposition, that they are trying to thwart the election. The foreign minister said Bangladesh is now the 35th largest economy in the world. "If Bangladesh's current economic development continues, we will become the 26th largest economy in a few years. We have 17 crore people, so our own market is huge. That's why many people are interested in our country, because our per capita income has increased 5 times," he said. Momen said the poverty rate has been reduced by more than half. "All these have become possible due to the implementation of goal-oriented measures of the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina." Momen also said, "We are now self-sufficient in food. We are third in the world in fish and vegetable production. We are fourth in the world in rice production. Our agricultural land has shrunk, but food production has quadrupled. This has been possible due to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina." Momen said as Bangladesh is making progress, many people do not like the development activities of the country. "We are an independent, sovereign country. Our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has given us a beautiful foreign policy. And this principle is 'friendship to all, malice to none.' We believe in this principle. We follow a balanced foreign policy," said the foreign minister. Bangabandhu Foundation United States unit General Secretary Abdul Quader Mia was present at the event as a special guest. Other leaders including Moshiur Malek, Fakir Ilyas, Abdul Khalek Mia, New York Correspondent of Bangladesh Protidin Lovelu Ansar were present.

Thriving for healthy living and aspiring for an extended life is a common pursuit. People often wonder if there are places where this aspiration transforms into reality. The Blue Zones concept seems to make that imagination come true. This article is going to decode the mysteries of living longer, healthier lives. Let’s try to hold the key to unlock an exceptional sense of well-being. What is the Blue Zone?  The origins of the Blue Zone concept can be traced back to the inquisitive demographic research of Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain in 2004. Their discovery led them to Sardinia's Nuoro Province, a place so abundantly endowed with male centenarians that it earned the name. This initial revelation stirred the curiosity of explorer Dan Buettner, prompting him to unveil four additional zones of wonder. These regions each offer a distinct blend of factors contributing to the prolonged, vibrant lives of their inhabitants. Read more: 13 Tips to Avoid Mosquito Bites Blue Zone Locations around the World Nuoro Province, Sardinia, Italy Sardinia, a rugged island off the Italian mainland, where the concept of Blue Zones first took root. This remarkable enclave boasts a population where men live almost as long as women, an unusual occurrence when compared to most other regions worldwide. The diet here consists mainly of whole grains, vegetables, beans, dairy products, and limited meat consumption. Their lifestyle encourages daily chores and walking, as Sardinia is a mountainous island. Many traditional shepherds still can be found walking over five miles. Read more: Superfood Moringa Powder: Know Its Health Benefits, Side Effects Sardinians also enjoy local wine, as part of their social tradition, called Cannonau or grenache. Strong family and community ties are central to their way of life, with multiple generations often residing in the same household. In Sardinia, it's about living better and cherishing family above all else.

The United States has shared information with The Gambia in connection with the case the latter brought forward against Myanmar under the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over atrocities committed against the Rohingyas. "We stand ready to support a holistic transitional justice process to address the long history of atrocities once such a process becomes viable to respect the demands of victims and survivors for truth, reparation, justice, and non-recurrence," US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, said. Acknowledging the genocide as the first step, not the last, she said, all must take the next steps together to bring an end to the violence and prevent the recurrence of atrocities.   Further delay in commencing Rohingya repatriation may put entire region at risk: Bangladesh Govt Zeya was speaking on the occasion of six years since the start of the horrific genocide against Rohingyas, said the US Department of State.  She thanked members of the Rohingya diaspora who joined in. "I applaud your resilience in the face of ongoing persecution," she said. Over the course of 2016 and 2017, Myanmar’s military brutally attacked Rohingya communities.   Systematic acts of violence, including torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and mass killings led to largescale displacement and loss of thousands of innocent lives.   The Myanmar military targeted one of the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in the country, forcing over 740,000 Rohingyas to seek refuge in Bangladesh. The rippling impact of those attacks continues today, six years later.  Help us return home in Myanmar, Rohingyas appeal Bangladesh hosts over a million Rohingya refugees, with significant numbers seeking refuge in nearby countries.   Many more remain internally displaced in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.   "During my visit to Bangladesh in July, I met with Rohingya refugees, who shared personal stories of the horrific violence they and their families endured in Burma and the fear of continued persecution that prevents their return," Zeya said. The gradual loss of rights, citizenship, homes, and even their lives in the years leading up to the 2016-2017 outbreak of atrocities made clear that the regime sought to destroy Rohingya communities based on a false, discriminatory narrative of ethnic and religious differences.   This false narrative attempts to obscure the fact that Rohingyas have been an integral part of Myanmar society for generations. "We are unwavering in our commitment to provide assistance to survivors and victims, seek accountability for those responsible, and pursue justice for the survivors and victims," Zeya said. US to pursue justice for Rohingyas and all people of Myanmar: Blinken In terms of providing assistance, the United States is the leading single donor of life-saving humanitarian assistance to this cause.   They have provided more than $2.1 billion to assist those affected by the crisis in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and elsewhere in the region since 2017.   Recognizing that Rohingyas cannot safely return to their homeland in Myanmar under current conditions, she said, resettlement is another important way in which we contribute.   Since 2009, the United States has warmly welcomed nearly 13,000 Rohingyas from the region, including from Bangladesh. "Our work is not just humanitarian, we also must move towards accountability," Zeya said.   6th Year of Rohingya Influx: Groups seek justice for 'ethnic genocide' in Myanmar  The US also provides support to the UN’s Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, which has a mandate to collect, consolidate, preserve, and analyze evidence of the most serious international crimes and violations of international law committed in Myanmar since 2011.   US support includes providing the mechanism with $2 million of funding to strengthen its ability to conduct open-source investigations and to protect witnesses and victims. "We are not alone in seeking accountability. On Wednesday, we joined 12 other nations on the UN Security Council in a joint statement calling out the continued, unrelenting violence perpetrated by the military regime," Zeya said.   This statement called on the regime to restore the rights of the Rohingyas. On Wednesday, the United States expanded its Myanmar-related sanctions on authorities to include any foreign individual or entity operating in the jet fuel sector of Myanmar’s economy and designated two individuals and three entities under this authority.   This expansion follows US sanction actions already taken this year that designated Burma’s Ministry of Defense, its two largest regime-controlled banks, the Ministry of Energy, and other individual military-affiliated cronies.  Zeya said they will continue to use their sanctions authorities to deprive the military regime of the resources that enable it to oppress its people and urge others to take similar accountability measures. Sixth year of genocidal attacks against Rohingya:  A UN expert demands accountability for the violence "Justice for victims is also crucial. The United States coordinates with international partners and NGOs to support the Rohingya courageously seeking justice in the courts of Argentina for the atrocities committed against them," she said. Zeya said they are actively working with civil society and members of the Rohingya community to document the atrocities and other abuses committed against them.   Secretary Blinken’s determination in March 2022 that members of Myanmar’s military committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Rohingya was a historic occasion.   This marked only the eighth time the United States has come to such a critical conclusion, she said.  "We must take into account the needs of survivors, including creating the conditions to enable refugees’ safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return. We must address the military’s continued impunity for human rights abuses. And, we must support the fight for justice for those who have suffered," Zeya said.   The US official said, "Taking these steps is how we can ensure a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Myanmar that respects the human rights of all."

The United States has announced visa restrictions on Chinese officials for their alleged involvement in “forcible assimilation of more than one million Tibetan children” in government-run boarding schools. The US state department made the announcement on Tuesday without providing any details or naming any officials. Also read: China says PM Hasina's remarks against sanctions reflect a ‘large part of int'l community's mind’ “These coercive policies (forcible assimilation) seek to eliminate Tibet’s distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious traditions among younger generations of Tibetans,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. Also read: BRICS Summit 2023 unveils potential geopolitical paradigm shift: Modern Diplomacy He urged the Chinese government to cease “repressive assimilation policies”, both in Tibet and other parts of the country. “We will continue to work with our allies and partners to highlight these actions and promote accountability,” Secretary of State Blinken said.

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday (August 14, 2023) said the government would reward those who can provide information on the killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “If you can give us information, you will be rewarded,” he said while speaking at a discussion at Jatiya Press Club. Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Daily Observer Editor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury and senior journalist Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) President Omar Faruk, former Secretary General Abdul Jalil Bhuiyan,among others, spoke at the discussion. Momen also called for unmasking those who kept mum for 21 years about the killers and the persons behind the killers. “All those people should be unmasked.” Describing Canada and the USA as countries with very strong rule of law, the foreign minister said they should not shelter murderers. The five killers who remain fugitives are Khandaker Abdur Rashid, Shariful Haque Dalim, Nur Chowdhury, Rashed Chowdhury and Moslehuddin Khan. Read: ‘Want Bangabandhu's killers to be deported to Bangladesh’: FM Nur Chowdhury and Rashed Chowdhury have been traced in Canada and the US and Bangladesh wants them back to implement the conviction. Momen said the government will be very happy if all the killers are brought back to face justice. “But we are yet to do it. If we can, we will feel that it is a great achievement.” Momen said the government has written many letters to the US and Canadian governments seeking steps for returning the killers; even the PM wrote to the US president. He encouraged the Bangladeshis living in Canada and the US to stage demonstrations routinely in front of the two killers’ residences. Read: Bangabandhu’s vision, ideals will continue to inspire Dhaka-Delhi strong bonds of friendship: Pranay Verma The foreign minister laid emphasis on writing more research-oriented books with solid facts so that they can provide more documentary evidence. The National Mourning Day will be observed on August 15. On this day in 1975, the greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members was brutally assassinated. Read more: It's shame for them, FM on countries sheltering Bangabandhu's killers

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Thursday (August 03, 2023) reiterated that the US does not support any particular political party but supports the democratic process that will allow the people of Bangladesh to choose their next government. "We believe everyone has a role to play, making sure that elections are free, fair and peaceful," he told reporters after his meeting with the Awami League delegation led by its General Secretary Obaidul Quader. Haas said the government, media, judiciary, political parties, civil society, security forces, and of course voters - each has a role in the democratic process. Also read: US Ambassador Haas holding meeting with AL leaders at Bangabandhu Avenue office "And each has to play their role and be allowed to play their role in order to have a free, fair and peaceful election," he said. On the question regarding the adamant stance of both Awami League and BNP over the issue of caretaker government, Haas said the US has no position whatsoever on that issue. "That is for political parties to decide what their approach is. We’re only concerned and interested in (ensuring) that there will be free, fair elections that are free of violence," he said. Also read: Not a violation of Vienna Convention: US ambassador on raising issues about domestic political affairs Responding to a question on whether the US is being more aligned with the BNP, Ambassador Haas said, "It's a weird question when I’m sitting at the Awami League headquarters. No, we meet with all political parties. We do not play favourites. I meet with both AL leaders and activists and ministers who are also part of the AL. There’s no preference; we meet people from all parts of society equally, and we do not play favourites." "I’ve met other political parties. I regularly visit media outlets, I speak frequently with civil society and interact with the police and security forces. And this is all part of what I do as the American ambassador," he said. Also read: US to send pre-election assessment and monitoring team in early Oct: Peter Haas In each of these meetings, he said, he repeats the same messages. "And these are US policies that we support a free, fair and peaceful election with no violence on the part of anyone." Ambassador Haas held the meeting with Awami League leaders at its central office. AL Presidium Member Muhammad Faruk Khan, International Affairs Secretary Shammi Ahmed, Information and Research Secretary Selim Mahmud, Office Secretary Biplab Barua and Executive Member Mohammad Ali Arafat were also present at the time. An official of the US embassy accompanied Peter Haas at the meeting. Also read: US calls on all parties in Bangladesh to respect fundamental freedoms and rule of law

The new US visa policy should be effective on BNP as they are trying to obstruct election through violence and anarchy, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said. Under the policy, the US can impose “visa restrictions on individuals and their immediate family members if they are responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.” Read: ‘Which party do they belong to?’: AL Facebook post responds to Fakhrul’s claim with photo of Chhatra Dal leader during yesterday’s clash "BNP's recent political programmes were nothing but obstruction to the upcoming national election,” Quader, also road, transport and bridges minister, said at a press conference at his Secretariat office today (July 31, 2023). "We don't want clashes and we won't go on the streets for that. Police will handle the situation and it is their responsibility," he added. “BNP leaders and activists will block all important entry points of Dhaka and try to disconnect the capital from other parts of the country. In this situation, should the police stay inactive? Police will definitely take action and it is their duty to protect people's lives and property,” said the minister. “Awami League wants a peaceful environment before and after the election. But BNP wants to remove Sheikh Hasina from power at any cost. So, we will remain vigilant until the election,” Quader added. Read: Be alert so that anti-liberation forces cannot rise: Law Minister Those who want election, should not go for conflict, he said. “No foreign embassy, no foreign delegate has so far said anything about a caretaker government or the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina or dissolving the parliament," Quader said. BNP's demand for a caretaker government did not get any support at home and abroad, Obaidul Quader observed. Among others, Awami League Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua and newly-elected Dhaka-17 MP Mohammad Ali Arafat were present at the briefing.

The United States has reiterated that political violence has no place in a democracy and that it favors no political party in Bangladesh. "We support Bangladesh’s goal of holding a free, fair, and peaceful election," Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State, Vedant Patel, said during a regular media briefing in Washington on July 26. He said they have always emphasized the importance of the United States and Bangladesh working together to achieve the latter’s goal of free and fair elections. US State Department ‘deeply concerned over use of Digital Security Act’ "It’s an important aspect of our bilateral relationship. And we believe that free and fair elections are a shared priority, and many Bangladeshi government officials, including the Prime Minister (Sheikh Hasina), have themselves said that it is their goal," Patel said. On Wednesday, Bangladesh conveyed its dismay to 13 envoys in Dhaka over their “undiplomatic behavior”. “We expressed our dissatisfaction. I hope that after our discussion today, they will realize that their joint statement has been presented prematurely, out of step with the flow of events, and they will refrain from such undiplomatic behavior in the future," State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam told reporters at Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday. BGMEA delegation meets US State Department official to discuss RMG issues He said they advised the diplomats to be constructive, reminding them of the Vienna Convention. The diplomats have also been warned that bypassing the government and behaving “devoid of objectivity, neutrality and impartiality” will only create a crisis of mutual trust, Shahriar Alam said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the ambassadors or high commissioners of the 13 foreign missions that issued a joint statement recently after a candidate was assaulted during a by-election to the Dhaka-17 constituency. US State Department official dies from virus The statement called for a full investigation and accountability for the perpetrators of the assault on independent candidate Ashraful Alom, better known as Hero Alom. In the joint statement, the foreign missions had said, “We condemn the July 17 attack on Dhaka-17 constituency candidate Ashraful Alom, popularly known as Hero Alam. Violence has no place in the democratic process.” "Everyone involved in the upcoming elections should ensure that they are free, fair, and peaceful,” said the diplomatic missions in Dhaka. The joint statement was signed by the embassies/high commissions of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States and the delegation of the European Union. Read more: US says it would let India speak for its bilateral relations with Bangladesh Shahriar Alam said they have conveyed to the diplomats that this is an isolated incident that cannot be used to judge peaceful, fair and free elections. "So only a last-minute isolated incident at a center presented by a handful of diplomats never reflects a day-long peaceful election. In giving a quick response, they did not give due importance to the objectivity of their assessment," he said. As soon as the incident came to light, the Election Commission and the government took prompt and legal action, said the State Minister. “Two persons were arrested long before the diplomats' statement. However, after taking legal measures, these diplomats were calling for legal measures which is unnecessary,” he said. Read more: US doesn't consider it interference when other countries discuss its elections: State Dept

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has said the story of Bangladeshis in the United States carries significance. “The strength of our democracy is in our people, and the strength of our people gets full expression in our democracy,” he said. Speaking at a reception marking the Independence Day (July 4) of United States on Sunday evening, Haas said that they believe the principles that define America, extend beyond its borders.  Read: EU's special representative for human rights due in Bangladeash Speaker of the Parliament, Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was the chief guest at the event. “And we also believe that those values with anchor US-Bangladeshi ties, now and in the future,” he said. The US celebrated its 247th Independence Day. In the United States, the ambassador said, Independence Day celebrations are a combination of patriotic speeches and backyard BBQs, of military parades and fireworks, and of music that runs the gamut from the “Star-Spangled Banner” to “Born in the USA” to “Bad to the Bone.” Read: Excited to see more Bangladeshi students choosing US for higher education: Ambassador Haas In short, they celebrate the principles upon which they were founded. “And we have fun doing it. And that is what we are here to do tonight,” said the Ambassador. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,” Haas said. “Standing here now, in 2023, I note these principles of equality and democracy don’t apply just to men, but also to women, and the whole diverse range of Americans, regardless of race, color, or creed,” he added. Read: People in support of fair polls have nothing to fear, Peter Haas says on new US visa policy The United States and Bangladesh share similar ideals that motivated struggles for independence, said the ambassador. Almost two centuries after 1776, Bangladesh fought the Liberation War based on four similar principles: nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism, he said. “These shared principles, and the success of our nations’ ability to continually ‘form a more perfect Union’ are – and will be – the anchor of US-Bangladesh relations,” he said. A special photo exhibition was held on the occasion that captured the spirit of George Thorogood’s tour, with a Bangladeshi twist. This exhibition showcases Bangladeshis who have made their homes in many of the 50 states of America.  Read: Bangladesh can draw more investment if corruption remains less prevalent: Peter Haas “These photographs are a testament to the diversity that flourishes within our borders, where people from all walks of life, including Bangladeshis, have found a place to call home,” said the US ambassador. “Through this exhibition, we witness the remarkable stories of Bangladeshis who have embraced the American dream, contributing their skills, culture, and heritage to the vibrant mosaic of our society,” he said. “Their presence all over the United States exemplifies the strength and resilience of the American people, a strength rooted in our shared values of liberty, justice, and equality,” Haas said.