UNB, Dhaka :
David N Saperstein, the US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, on Thursday termed Bangladesh as an ‘extraordinary free country’ in terms of freedom of worship and peaceful coexistence of various faith-based communities.
He also described his visit to Bangladesh as a ‘gratifying experience’ and appreciated the ability of Bangladeshi people to celebrate festivals irrespective of religious identity.
The Ambassador-at-Large of the US
Department of State made the remarks during his meeting with Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali at the state Guesthouse Padma in the afternoon.
Among others, US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat was present during the meeting.
Ambassador Saperstein apprised the Foreign Minister about his visit to Dhaka and stated that he has found the religious tradition of Bangladesh quite remarkable.
He also commended the action taken by the Bangladesh government in the aftermath of a few recent incidents related to minority population and appreciated the steps towards protection of their rights. The US Ambassador-at-Large assured his government’s continued support and cooperation to Bangladesh in addressing religious intolerance and discrimination based on religious belief.
Welcoming the US Ambassador-at-Large to his maiden visit to Bangladesh, Mahmood Ali mentioned that the present government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reinstated secularism in the country’s Constitution and has been taking necessary steps to ensure rights of people of all faiths.
Citing the Prime Minister’s quotation “To everyone his or her religion but festivals belong to everyone”, he said people enjoy each and everyone’s faith and festivals without let or hindrance during the rule of Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Foreign Minister appreciated the understanding of the friendly countries like the USA and stated that the government is fully committed and working towards establishing a secular, democratic and inclusive nation as dreamt of by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
David N Saperstein, the US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, on Thursday termed Bangladesh as an ‘extraordinary free country’ in terms of freedom of worship and peaceful coexistence of various faith-based communities.
He also described his visit to Bangladesh as a ‘gratifying experience’ and appreciated the ability of Bangladeshi people to celebrate festivals irrespective of religious identity.
The Ambassador-at-Large of the US
Department of State made the remarks during his meeting with Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali at the state Guesthouse Padma in the afternoon.
Among others, US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat was present during the meeting.
Ambassador Saperstein apprised the Foreign Minister about his visit to Dhaka and stated that he has found the religious tradition of Bangladesh quite remarkable.
He also commended the action taken by the Bangladesh government in the aftermath of a few recent incidents related to minority population and appreciated the steps towards protection of their rights. The US Ambassador-at-Large assured his government’s continued support and cooperation to Bangladesh in addressing religious intolerance and discrimination based on religious belief.
Welcoming the US Ambassador-at-Large to his maiden visit to Bangladesh, Mahmood Ali mentioned that the present government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reinstated secularism in the country’s Constitution and has been taking necessary steps to ensure rights of people of all faiths.
Citing the Prime Minister’s quotation “To everyone his or her religion but festivals belong to everyone”, he said people enjoy each and everyone’s faith and festivals without let or hindrance during the rule of Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Foreign Minister appreciated the understanding of the friendly countries like the USA and stated that the government is fully committed and working towards establishing a secular, democratic and inclusive nation as dreamt of by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
