Canadian University of Bangladesh (CUB) has celebrated 50 years of Bangladesh-US friendship. A discussion event was held at the CUB campus auditorium at Pragati Sarani on Sunday morning.
International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) President Bill Poucher was the chief guest at the event.
CUB Founder and Board of Trustees Chairman Dr Chowdhury Nafeez Sarafat presided over the event.
Faculty members CID Director-General Barrister Mahbubur Rahman, Abdul Monem Group Managing Director ASM Mainuddin Monem and Canadian University of Bangladesh Board of Trustees Executive Chairman Shahnul Hasan Khan were also present at the event.
Emphasising the close ties between Bangladesh and the US, American Professor Bill Poucher said, "Two great nations have laid the foundation of a unique friendship for over 50 years. I am hopeful that we will be able to take this relationship to new heights in the next 50 years."
Stressing the need for concerted efforts to bring peace to the world, he said, "I will not be here to see what you are doing 50 years from now. But I believe that the world you will create from the beginning as a citizen will be extraordinary."
"Never before have such a large treasure trove of opportunities, knowledge or resources been the main force in the spirit of any society," he added.
Professor Poucher called on everyone to have confidence in their strength.
"Whatever you can become in life, prepare for that. Because that is the path to peace. Every day before you start work, as yourself- "Do I want to be happy?" and work towards that goal," he advised.
At the event, Dr Chowdhury Nafeez Sarafat said, "I am happy to celebrate 50 years of friendship between Bangladesh and the United States. In the last 50 years, innumerable bonds have been formed between the people of Bangladesh and the US."
"Bangladesh's generosity and humanity in tackling the Rohingya refugee crisis is an example to the world. The United States is the largest international donor of humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh and the Rohingya refugees. One of the priorities of the US Embassy is to work with Bangladesh to find a lasting solution to the crisis," he added.
"Our economic partnership is growing every year. In 2019, bilateral trade reached a record amount of $9 billion. The United States is still the single largest export destination for Bangladeshi products and the largest source of direct foreign investment. American companies have built the first liquefied natural gas (LPG) import facility in Bangladesh.
They have helped in dredging the fast-flowing rivers of the country. They also provided the necessary technology to transform Bangladesh into a digital country and is currently providing world-class aircraft and vehicles to facilitate travel and trade,” he said.
"We work together on climate change, peacekeeping, regional security, education and cultural exchanges, and more. The friendship between Bangladesh and the United States is getting stronger and deeper every year," he added.
Dr. Chowdhury Nafeez Sarafat thanked ICPC President Bill Poucher for visiting the Canadian University. He hoped that the Canadian University of Bangladesh would progress further in the future, helped by the cooperation between Bangladesh and the US.
During the discussion, Shahnul Hasan Khan said, "Bangladesh is the closest friend of the US in South Asia. It can be understood simply by looking at our foreign policy. The US has extended its cooperation in suppressing terrorism in Bangladesh. The country is also in favour of Bangladesh in tackling the damage caused by global climate change."
“The US is committed to ensuring the participation of a large number of Bangladeshis in UN peacekeeping missions, as well as ensuring a large market for Bangladeshi garments. The US has no close competitors in terms of assisting in information technology, education and technology. As a result, Bangladesh's close relationship with the country is also benefiting Bangladeshi students and technologists.”
Speaking at the event, Abdul Monem Group Managing Director ASM Mainuddin Monem said, "US-Bangladesh relations have reached a new height under the present government."
He also lauded the role of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in this regard.
Senior Advisor to the Board of Trustees of the Canadian University of Bangladesh, Prof Dr HM Jahirul Haque, Treasurer Professor ASM Sirajul Haque, heads of all departments and teachers were present. University students also attended the event.
Later, Bill Poucher visited an exhibition organised by CUB to mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's progress.
At the time, Dr Chowdhury Nafeez Sarafat disclosed various information about the historical and contemporary pictures to him.
