Islami Bank Bangladesh Friday organised an online discussion and prayers to mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's Independence. Professor Md Nazmul Hassan, chairman of the bank, addressed the programme as the chief guest. Presided over by Mohammed Monirul Moula, managing director and chief executive officer of the bank, the function was addressed by Dr Md Salim Uddin, chairman of the bank's executive committee, Mohammad Solaiman, chairman of audit committee, and Major General (retd) Abdul Matin, chairman of risk management committee of the bank. Md Joynal Abedin and Dr Qazi Shahidul Alam, directors of the bank, also addressed the programme. Islami Bank directors Professor Md Kamal Uddin, Syed Abu Asad, Md Quamrul Hasan, Dr Mohammad Saleh Jahur, Dr Md Fashiul Alam, Khurshid-Ul-Alam, Mohammad Nasir Uddin, and Md Zakir Hossain were present on the occasion.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam has urged the United States to lead the international community to find a durable solution to the long-standing Rohingya crisis before it becomes a security threat for the entire Indo-Pacific Region. He expressed deep appreciation for the sustained humanitarian assistance and political support of the United States to the persecuted Rohingya population of Myanmar. Read Rohingya repatriation: Bangladesh seeks Sri Lanka’s support The Ambassador was addressing a function celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington DC celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh with due respect and enthusiasm. At the beginning of the day's programme, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam, along with the guest of honour, State Department's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Ervin Massinga, officially hoisted the national flag of Bangladesh. Also read: Let Rohingya children live as full members of society: Unicef Later, the Ambassador and the guest of honour placed a floral wreath at the bust of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. After playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States, a video message by the Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina was screened. Ambassador Shahidul Islam paid deep homage to the architect of independent Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and to the valiant freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the cause of Independence. Also read: Dhaka seeks global community's constructive role in early Rohingya repatriation Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Ervin Massinga extended greeting to the government and the people of Bangladesh. He said the USA sees Bangladesh as an important economic and security partner in the Indo Pacific. “Bangladesh has established itself as a leading voice on how climate change solutions must protect the most vulnerable. This leadership will contribute to a successful COP26," Ervin Massinga said. Read 1,800 more Rohingyas moved to Bhasan Char In the second part of the programme, the messages from President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam were read out. The day’s programme ended with a pleasant cultural program participated by the members of the Embassy family. On this auspicious occasion, the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken issued a press statement congratulating the people of Bangladesh. Read Rohingya-Relocation 5th phase relocation: 1070 Rohingyas sail for Bhashanchar “As we work together towards a safe and secure region and a healthy and prosperous future, we recognise the remarkable contributions Bangladesh has made to global development,” Blinken said in the statement.  Earlier, US President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Read Rohingya Camp Fire: Australia announces additional $10mn for affected people Biden said that Bangladesh’s hosting of one million Rohingyas is an example to the world of humanity and generosity. He also said the United States would continue to be a steadfast partner in finding a durable solution to the crisis. Read Japan to work towards early repatriation of Rohingyas: Envoy

 

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller has officially launched ShareAmerica’s Bangla language website to celebrate the International Mother Language Day 2021 and in honour of Bangladesh’s upcoming 50th anniversary of independence.

The United Kingdom has said they look forward to strengthening bonds of kinship and culture during the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence.

King Philippe of Belgium has said that he will consider a possible visit to Bangladesh to see the country’s impressive socio-economic development.