[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 50 (Friday, March 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING BANGLADESH INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HALEY M. STEVENS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 17, 2023

  Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in celebrating Bangladesh upon its Independence Day. On March 26, 
1971, the people of Bangladesh declared their independence from 
Pakistan, after a long and hard-fought struggle for freedom.
  At this time, I would like to join our friends from the community in 
honoring the brave men and women who fought and sacrificed their lives 
for the cause of a free and democratic Bangladesh. Additionally, it is 
a great pleasure to recognize the many contributions of Michigan's 
150,000 member Bangladeshi-American community to the state and the many 
more across the Nation, and to celebrate their rich culture and 
heritage this March.
  Many Bangladeshi-Americans are doctors, engineers, and small business 
owners, bolstering economic development and job creation in America. 
Dr. MD Rabbi Alam, a resident of Michigan's 11th District, is the 
Founder and Chairman of Bangabandhu Commission and is the President of 
Bangabandhu Parishad USA. The Bangabandhu Commission and Parishad work 
together closely to strengthen local communities through civic 
engagement, training and development opportunities. It is my pleasure 
to acknowledge the wonderful work Dr. Alam and others in the community 
do to elevate issues affecting Bangladesh and Bangladeshi-Americans.
  Over the past five decades, Bangladesh has made significant progress 
in areas such as education, gender equality, health care, and economic 
development, and has emerged as a vibrant South Asian Democracy. 
Bangladesh's economy has grown an average rate of 6 percent over the 
past year, making it one of the fastest growing economies in the world. 
The country's GDP has tripled since 2006 and is projected to continue 
to grow even more in the coming years.
  Bangladesh is also one of the most vulnerable countries to climate 
change, yet their government has implemented various adaptation 
measures, including cyclone shelters, strengthening river embankments, 
and promoting climate-resilient agriculture practices. Despite facing 
numerous challenges, the people of Bangladesh have demonstrated 
remarkable resilience and determination in building a better future for 
themselves and their families.
  With the significant strides made by Bangladesh in promoting women's 
rights and empowerment, the country has successfully increased women's 
participation in politics and implemented policies to address gender-
based violence. According to World Health Organization (WHO), the life 
expectancy of women was just 26 years, at the country's birth in 1971. 
By the end of year 2020 life expectancy for women is now 72 years. 
Bangladesh has shown incredible progress for gender equality, and by 
the beginning of 2023, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House, 
the Deputy Leader of the Parliament, the Education Minister, the 
Agriculture Secretary of the Bangladesh Awami League, the Foreign 
Affairs Secretary of the Bangladesh Awami League, and the Health and 
Population Secretary of the Bangladesh Awami League are all women. In 
addition to the women ranking in leadership, there are also seats in 
parliament that are reserved for women and many more represent seats 
that are directly elected without quotas. It is clear that Bangladesh 
has set itself as an example of women empowerment by the Prime Minister 
Sheikh Hasina and the Bangladesh Awami League, and we are proud to 
recognize these accomplishments today.
  This Independence Day, my colleagues and I are excited to join the 
Bangabandhu Commission and Bangabandhu Parishad USA in elevating the 
theme of women empowerment. Dr. Alam and Bangladeshi Americans from 
around the country will be travelling to Bangladesh to participate in 
an International Seminar on Women Empowerment, on March 23rd, with 
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joining to celebrate this occasion and the 
dream of the founding father of the nation, the late Honorable 
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. I thank Dr. Alam and his team for 
hosting this incredible event and for welcoming participation from 
members of Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, as a nation founded on the principles of freedom and 
democracy, the United States celebrates the expression of these values 
by the people of Bangladesh as they continue to work towards a more 
peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive society. It is our hope that our 
two nations continue to grow our friendship and support each other in 
our mutual aspiration for a brighter future. It is an honor to 
recognize Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi Americans of our Nation. I ask 
my colleagues to join me in celebrating this Bangladeshi independence 
and in honoring the rich history and culture of this great nation. 
Happy Independence Day.

                          ____________________