US Ambassador Brent Christensen has reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties with Bangladesh by sharing American history, culture and values.
Speaking on Saturday at the American Fair in the Park at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in Gulshan, organised by the US Embassy to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, Christensen said America’s history had inspired people around the world, including Bangladesh.
He said 250 years ago, 56 Founding Fathers risked everything to secure independence and self-governance.
According to the ambassador, that history has inspired many nations, including Bangladesh during its own struggle for independence.
“We want to share more of our history and further strengthen mutual understanding and people-to-people ties between our two countries,” he said.
Asked how he viewed the relations between the people of the two countries, Christensen said the United States wanted Bangladeshis to learn more about American history, ideals and values while also gaining a better understanding of Bangladesh’s people and culture.
He said the embassy was marking America Week across the country to expand those exchanges.
Programmes have already been held in Chattogram. After the Dhaka events, the embassy will travel to Rajshahi and Sylhet to engage with people in other parts of the country.
He said the initiative was intended to help both countries understand each other more closely.
When a journalist asked about Bangladesh’s recent relations with China, officials from the embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section requested that questions remain focused on US Independence Day and American history.
They said a separate opportunity could be arranged at the embassy to discuss the issue.
Christensen also declined to comment.
The exhibition highlighted different chapters of the United States’ 250-year history.
The event, which opened at 11am, featured information booths on America’s road to independence, major historical milestones and the evolution of its democratic institutions.
American culture and values were showcased through exhibits, while one display focused on Bangladesh’s ready-made garment exports to the United States.
A performance by the 25th Infantry Division US Army Band was also part of the programme, which centred on the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
The event was organised with support from the Gulshan Society.
Its Pesident Omar Sadat said the organisation wanted to strengthen ties with the many foreign embassies based in Gulshan by working together on similar programmes.