US Ambassador in Bangladesh Dan W Mozena said Thursday that his country will continue extending its assistances in building the expected Sonar Bangla to make the dream a reality, reports BSS from Rangpur.
US Ambassador said this while addressing the concluding ceremony of a three-day 'Gender and Development Fair-2014' on the campus of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) as the invited guest.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and BRUR jointly organised the fair with the theme 'Inspiring Change: Pathways to Empowerment' for promoting development and empowerment of women.
Expressing his satisfaction on massive participations of the women in the gender and development fair, Mozena hoped combined efforts of men and women would definitely contribute in improving standard of life of the people of Bangladesh.
He felt proud saying that America and Begum Rokeya University jointly hosted the fair so that the Bangladeshis could explore how best to empower women through unleashing their talents, energy, creativity and their entrepreneurial drive so that they could play their critical part in building the Sonar Bangla.
"I believe that is what this fair is all about ... men and women exploring how best they can work together to build better lives for their children, their families, their communities and for themselves," he said.
He said all people, whether American, Bangladeshi or from other place essentially want to meet essence of life through providing their families with a safe, secure house, ample and nutritious food, good healthcare and the best education for kids.
Deputy Commissioner Farid Ahammed also addressed the occasion as the special guest while USAID Senior Programme Development Specialist Mahmuda Rahman Khan moderated the ceremony.
In his speech, State Minster Moshiur Rahman Ranga said Bangladesh is no more lacking behind and the women have been participating in every sphere of life now and contributing their own in the nation-building activities.
"We make our country a developed one through joint and equal efforts, participations and contribution of both men and women in near future ensuing women empowerment at all levels," he added.
The national, international development and donor agencies, GO-NGO and research organisations, institutions, Begum Rokeya University, entrepreneurs showcased their women empowerment programmes at 70 exhibit booths located on the varsity campus.
The fair also featured seminars, workshops, photo exhibition, film screening and cultural performances by the local artists turning the campus fairground into a place of women empowerment and festivity.
