Rashed's refuge in US remains deep regret: Shahriar

State Minister for foreign affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Tuesday said that Dhaka regrets as Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's self-confessed convicted killer Rashed Chowdhury has still been living in the United States (US).

 
"The long-pending repatriation of Rashed Chowdhury- a self-confessed, convicted killer of Bangabandhu finding refuge in a friendly country like USA remains a source of deep regret," he said.
 
He was speaking at a special photo exhibition, "Roots of Friendship: 50 Years of U.S.- Bangladesh Relations" to reflect on over 50 years of people-to-people relations and diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and the United States, BSS reports.
The state minister said Bangladesh in its development journey has sought and would continue to pivot partnership of regional and global friends, including the USA, with a goal of eradication of poverty and emancipation of its people.

"I hope our such international engagements will not be seen from a narrow prism and rather be viewed as our pragmatic quest for development," he said.

Alam said the friendship between Bangladesh and the US has deepened and broadened to the length that allows "us to frankly debate on our differences while working closely together to mutually benefit from our complementarities and alignments".
 
The state minister said Bangladesh partnership with the USA in fighting COVID-19 pandemic is a true example of what the countries can do together.

He also appreciated the continued support by the US Government towards Rohingyas temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh.

The state minister said Bangladesh has achieved middle-income status with hope and aspirations to be a developed and smart country by 2041.

Alam said Bangladesh has brought over 40 million people out of poverty during three consecutive terms of Awami League government over the past 14 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

US Ambassador Peter Haas also spoke at the function held at the Edward M. Kennedy Center for Public Service and the Arts (EMK).
 
The exhibition displayed 50 historic photographs - an extended celebration of the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties between the United States and Bangladesh - represents six distinct categories.

GY