US Congress introduces resolution commemorating 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence

The US Congress has introduced a resolution congratulating the people of Bangladesh on the 50th anniversary of the country's independence, hailing the courage of the valiant freedom fighters in the struggle for freedom and democracy.

It also lauded the contributions of Bangladesh for hosting Rohingyas fleeing genocide in Myanmar.

The resolution titled "Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence" was introduced in the US House of Representatives on March 16, 2021, according to a statement issued Thursday by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC.

Democratic Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (New York) submitted the resolution in the first session of the 117th Congress. Three democratic representatives Rashida Tlaib (Michigan), Jimmy Gomez (California), and Chair of House Committee on Foreign Affairs Gregory W Meeks (New York) co-sponsored the resolution.  

The resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The House of Representatives in the resolution mentioned that on March 26, 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh's independence from West Pakistan. 

The Congress resolution cited Senator Edward Kennedy's speech on February 14, 1972, at the University of Dhaka, where he said, "The struggle of the people of Bangladesh…evokes the greatest memories of our past."

The resolution highlighted the history of Bangladesh's long struggle for self-determination culminating in the War of Independence in 1971.