US Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon termed herself as a "friend of Bangladesh" and expressed her keen interest in strengthening Bangladesh-US cooperation on wide-ranging issues. She made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a community reception in Philadelphia organised by Bangladeshi American community to welcome Bangladesh Ambassador M Shahidul Islam.

 Congressman Dwight Evans (Democrat-Pennsylvania 2nd District) recalled his visit to Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar in 2019 and appreciated Bangladesh for hosting over a million Rohingyas who fled genocide in Myanmar, The Daily Star reported. 

In his keynote address, Ambassador Shahidul Islam appreciated Philadelphia's Bangladeshi American community for their leadership role in mainstream American society.

He stressed the importance of making friends in the US society and requested Congressman Evans and Congresswoman Mary to help revitalise the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus to carry forward Bangladesh-US relations, the report said.

Bangladeshi American scientist-turned politician Dr Nina Ahmad -- president of the Philadelphia National Organization for Women Education Fund and also a former adviser to Barack Obama -- presided over the community meeting.

Leading community personalities including Dr Zia Ahmed, Dr Ibrul Chowdhury, Ahsan Naratullah, Sheikh Islam, Tozammel Haque, and Omi Islam spoke at the event.

(SAM)