Bangladesh can feel proud for many reasons

Bangladesh is quickly becoming a regional leader, with a rapidly growing economy, an increasingly well-educated workforce, and a dynamic youth demographic, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said yesterday.

"As you celebrate your 53rd Independence Day, Bangladesh has many reasons to be proud," he said in a statement, conveying warm congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on the occasion.

Fifty-two years after its independence, Bangladesh today stands strong on the global stage as it has not only made improvements in socio-economic indicators but also contributed to global and regional peacebuilding.

Many of the world's developed countries are increasingly engaging with Bangladesh and cooperating for democratic and economic development.

"By committing to democratic norms, good governance, human rights, and media freedom -- all of which are hallmarks of developing, stable, and prospering societies -- I believe Bangladesh will achieve its great potential," said Blinken.

By generously welcoming Rohingyas fleeing genocide, Bangladesh has demonstrated its humanitarian commitment to sheltering vulnerable refugees.

Also, by developing adaptation strategies to the climate crisis, the country has shown leadership in protecting the environment and strengthening climate resilience, reads the statement.

Noting that the US has made real strides battling Covid, tackling climate change, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region, the US secretary said Americans and Bangladeshis are stronger together because of cooperation on the defining issues of this era.

"I look forward to deepening our partnership in the year ahead."

The US is committed to working with Bangladesh in support of free and fair elections, open to all, said Blinken, commenting on the national polls due late this year or early next year.

In a message, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the multifaceted partnership between the two countries is founded on shared sacrifices.

"Bangladesh will always be a strong pillar of India's Neighbourhood First Policy," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping too lauded the remarkable progress of Bangladesh.

China and Bangladesh are enjoying solid and profound political trust, and practical cooperation has been advancing steadily, he said, referring to the development projects under the "Belt and Road Initiative".

He said China attaches great importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations and stands ready to work to push the strategic partnership of cooperation to a new height.

In a congratulatory letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the relations between the two countries are based on good traditions of friendship and mutual respect.

Putin said he is confident that further development of constructive bilateral cooperation fully meets the core interests of the people of Russia and Bangladesh, and goes in line with the promotion of regional security and stability.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country accords importance to its relationship with Bangladesh and looks forward to further strengthening the bilateral ties to the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.

He wished good health to Hasina and continued progress and prosperity of the brotherly Bangladeshi people.

UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis said since independence, Bangladesh evolved from a war-torn country to one of the leading economic powers in South Asia.

"The hospitality of Bangladesh's diverse people is just one of the many facets of a country that my colleagues and I have been fortunate to experience every day," she said.