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On the occasion of the Independence Day of Bangladesh, US President Joe Biden sent a message to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“As Bangladesh approaches its next election, I am reminded of the deep value both of our nations' people place on democracy, equality, respect for human rights, and free and fair elections,” he said.
He wished Hasina and the people of Bangladesh ‘a happy Independence Day’ in the message which ends with the words ‘Joy Bangla’, the slogan of Bangladesh’s liberation war.
Biden said the US applauds Bangladesh's demonstrated commitment to protecting the most vulnerable as the largest contributor to peacekeeping operations.
“We thank Bangladesh for co-hosting the Global Action Plan ministerial that significantly elevated the political commitment to end the global pandemic”.
Lauding Bangladesh for giving shelter to Rohingya refugees, Biden said, “Bangladesh has opened its arms and welcomed nearly one million Rohingya refugees.”
“You set an example for the world of empathy and generosity in practice. We share a commitment to finding long-term solutions to the Rohingya refugee crisis and holding perpetrators of atrocities accountable.”
“In over 50 years of diplomatic relations, the United States and Bangladesh have achieved a lot together - advancing economic development, strengthening people-to-people ties, addressing global health and climate issues, partnering on the humanitarian response to Rohingya refugees, and committing to a prosperous, secure, democratic, and independent Bangladesh”.
The Bangladeshi people understand deeply the value of freedom and independence as they fought courageously in 1971 to choose their own fate and to speak their own language, he said.
“On this day of celebration, please accept my sincere wishes to you and the people of Bangladesh. Joy Bangla!” Biden concluded.