Hello. My name is Earl Miller, the United States Ambassador to Bangladesh. On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I wish to congratulate the people of Bangladesh on your 49th anniversary of independence. I also extend my best wishes as you commemorate the centennial of the birth of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, “Father of the Nation,” ahead of your 2021 Golden Jubilee.
Over the past 49 years, Bangladesh has progressed along an enviable development arc, rising from a devastating war to become a country that is now a growing agricultural and economic industrial powerhouse. The United States has been a key partner through this transformation, and I am proud our economies delivering prosperity to both our peoples. I also appreciate Bangladesh’s continued generosity as a host to over one million Rohingya refugees. As the leading international donor, we will continue to stand by your side as you confront this this crisis.
We look forward to Bangladesh’s accomplishments and our continued cooperation in the coming year.
During the Liberation War, Bangladeshis showed the world the meaning of courage, discipline, and sacrifice. Now, as the world confronts the coronavirus, COVID-19 – we all need to draw on those same qualities that are in such abundance here, to fight back against the disease and protect ourselves.
We can take simple steps to do so… the same steps that our Embassy staff take every day:
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, including any time you’ve been out, before eating or making food, and after coughing or sneezing;
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and immediately throw the tissue away;
- maintain physical distance and avoid touching public surfaces as much as possible because we don’t always know who or what might be infected; and
- stay home if you or family member is ill, or has a fever, cough or shortness of breath.
- Even if you don’t have the virus, you can spread an illness that will weaken a vulnerable person’s immune system and make them more susceptible to COVID-19.
As it was 49 years ago, Bangladesh is being tested again. We all are. And we are all in this fight together.
And we will get through this fight together.
And when we do, we’ll – perhaps – look back in 49 years from now, and say when things seemed to be at their worst, we were all at our best.
Dhonnobad. Congratulations!
As delivered.
