SR 551: Country of Bangladesh; recognize

Senate Resolution 551

By: Senators Rahman of the 5th, Islam Parkes of the 7th, Harbison of the 15th, Mangham of the 55th, James of the 28th and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending the Country of Bangladesh; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Bangladesh declared its independence on March 26, 1971, was recognized by the United States on April 4, 1972, and this year celebrates 53 years of diplomatic relations; and

WHEREAS, more than 30,000 Bangladeshi Americans reside in the State of Georgia and approximately half a million live and work in the United States; and

WHEREAS, for the past 53 years, the United States and Bangladesh have maintained a strong and cooperative relationship, engaging closely on a wide range of issues, including trade, economic development, security, governance, and global affairs; and

WHEREAS, the ties between the United States and Bangladesh go beyond the government-to-government level as people-to-people contacts and commercial relationships are increasing over the years, and both countries are willing to see this relationship grow in depth and dimension over the next 53 years; and

WHEREAS, Bangladesh and the United States share similar views on many international issues, including maintaining international peace, security, and stability; the fight against terrorism and violent extremism; human rights; the 2030 agenda for sustainable development; climate change; and many more; and

WHEREAS, Bangladesh has made significant socioeconomic progress in the last 53 years, including increased food production, disaster resilience, poverty alleviation, improved health and education, and women's empowerment; and

WHEREAS, for more than a decade, Bangladesh has remained one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and its economic growth is not only benefitting its own people but is also contributing to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the region; and

WHEREAS, the United States has been a long-standing partner of Bangladesh in this successful journey of economic and social development and the two-way trade volume between the two countries has been estimated at $10.6 billion in 2024; and

WHEREAS, in 2024, a student-led movement advocated for civil service quota reforms and brought together the working class in Bangladesh to call for a more democratic government; and

WHEREAS, we wish continued success for the new caretaker government and applaud the commitment to a more just fair system of government in Bangladesh.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize and commend the Country of Bangladesh and extend best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.