US ambassador hails partnership with Bangladesh on Independence Day

United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen on Saturday reaffirmed Washington's commitment to deepening its partnership with Bangladesh, saying the two countries are expanding cooperation in trade, security, energy, health and aviation while sharing a common vision of a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

He made the remarks while addressing the Freedom 250 celebration at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, organised jointly by the US Embassy in Dhaka and the Caucus of America in the National Parliament of Bangladesh to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States.

Beginning his address, Christensen described the National Parliament as a fitting venue for the celebration, saying Bangladesh had reclaimed the democratic promise the institution was meant to represent.

"There is no better place and no better moment to celebrate what democracy means and what it has meant for 250 years," he said.

Recalling the signing of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776, the ambassador said the founding principles of liberty, equality and the pursuit of happiness had inspired democratic movements around the world and continued to resonate in Bangladesh.

"The music you will hear today reflects that shared spirit. American songs and Bangladeshi songs played together by the same ensemble on the same stage. Different melodies sharing a common rhythm," he said.

Highlighting bilateral cooperation, Christensen said Bangladesh and the United States had recently signed an agreement on critical trade that would create new opportunities for commerce and shared prosperity. He also referred to cooperation in energy security, healthcare, aviation, security and efforts to address illegal immigration.

Quoting US President Donald Trump, he said, "America First does not mean America alone," adding that the United States values partnerships with countries working to advance the interests of their own people.

Describing Bangladesh as such a partner, Christensen also referred to remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had expressed Washington's intention to further strengthen economic and security cooperation with Bangladesh.

The ambassador welcomed the formation of the Caucus of America in the National Parliament of Bangladesh, describing it as the first initiative of its kind and a reflection of the growing friendship between the two countries.

He also announced that the United States would support a new project under the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation to recognise the historic contribution of American architecture to Bangladesh's modern architectural heritage, with particular focus on the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Concluding his speech, Christensen said the anniversary was not only a celebration of America's past but also an opportunity to look ahead.

"It's not just about 250 years of the past. It's also about 250 years of the future," he said.

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Earlier, Dr Md Mahabubur Rahman, co-chairman of the Caucus of America in the National Parliament of Bangladesh, formally announced the formation of the 10-member parliamentary caucus, headed by Dr MD Osman Faruk, saying it had been constituted with the endorsement of the speaker and the consent of the parliamentary leadership.

The event also featured a musical performance by the US Army's 25th Infantry Division Band as part of the Freedom 250 celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The programme was attended by cabinet ministers, members of the Bangladesh National Parliament, senior officials of the US Embassy in Dhaka, ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to Bangladesh, government advisers, and other distinguished guests.