U.S. Relief Efforts for the People in Haiti

The 2010 State of the Union Address

U.S. President Barack Obama delivered the 2010 State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on January 27. In his address the President laid out his priorities for getting people to work and bolstering the middle class.

• Read the Transcript
• Watch the Video

Internet Freedom Essential to Human Rights, Economic Prosperity 

In a major foreign policy speech, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton outlined the U.S. commitment to Internet freedom, which she said is essential to upholding human rights and encouraging economic prosperity.

• Read Secretary Clinton's Speech Transcript
• Watch the video

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Patrick S. Moon Arrives January 20

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Patrick S. Moon arrives on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 on a three-day visit to Bangladesh. During his visit, Mr. Moon will meet with government officials, politicians and business and civil society leaders. He will discuss a range of bilateral and multilateral issues. This is his first visit to Bangladesh.

• Press Release: Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Patrick S. Moon Arrives January 20 | In Bangla (PDF)
• Biography of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Patrick S. Moon

Presidential Proclamation--Religious Freedom Day

A PROCLAMATION: Long before our Nation's independence, weary settlers sought refuge on our shores to escape religious persecution on other continents. Recognizing their strife and toil, it was the genius of America's forefathers to protect our freedom of religion, including the freedom to practice ... [Read more]

Presidential Proclamation--Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

A PROCLAMATION: The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., challenged our Nation to recognize that our individual liberty relies upon our common equality. In communities marred by division and injustice, the movement he built from the ground up forced open doors to negotiation. The strength of his ... [Read more]

Remarks by the President on Strengthening Intelligence and Aviation Security

The White House released the summary of the security review on the recent failed terrorist attack.  To learn more about the review, or to read the President's remarks on Strengthening Intelligence and Aviation Security, please visit the White House Blog.

Secretary Clinton Speaks on Development in the 21st Century

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke on development in the 21st century at the Peterson Institute for International Economics on January 6. She said that the United States seeks a safer, more prosperous, more democratic and more equitable world. She emphasized that development furthers a key U.S. diplomatic goal of advancing democracy and human rights around the globe.

• Read Secretary Clinton's Full Remarks on Development in the 21st Century 

Presidential Proclamation - National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

U.S. President Barack Obama has declared January 2010 to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Click here to read the Presidential Proclamation - National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. 

Visas Explained: E-2 Treaty Investor

Potential investors in the U.S. may be eligible to apply for an E-2 Treaty Investor non-immigrant visa to the United States.  For more information on the E-2 visa, please click here.

American Dance Company Enthralls Dhaka.
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American Dance Company Enthralls Dhaka 

The American dance company “Dakshina” led by Daniel Phoenix Singh performed at the National Theatre of the Shilpakala Academy on January 3rd. Dakshina’s performance in Dhaka was jointly sponsored by the American Center/U.S. Embassy Dhaka and NRITYADHARA.  Dakshina is a modern dance company combining western and eastern dance techniques.  A leading dance company in Washington D.C., Dakshina is the first American dance troupe to perform in Bangladesh. More than 700 people attended this exciting event.

English Language Specialist Scott Chiverton poses with other officials at the opening ceremony.
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U. S. Government-sponsored English Language Specialist Scott Chiverton Visits Bangladesh

U. S. Government-sponsored English Language Specialist Scott Chiverton conducted a ten-day training program with Madrassa teachers at the Bangladesh Madrassa Teacher Training Institute in Gazipur December 10-22. Thirty-five Madrassa English teachers from different parts of the country took part in the training to improve their English teaching skills. Chiverton is also scheduled to lead a two-day session with teachers involved in NGO BRAC's Post-primary Basic and Continuing Education (PACE) program December 23 and 24. He has an M.A. in Teaching International Languages from California State University-Chico and has global experience training English teachers.

Readout of the President’s call with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

As President Obama continues to lay the foundation for an international political agreement on climate change in Copenhagen, he is reaching out personally to his counterparts around the world. President Obama spoke with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and encouraged Prime Minister Hasina to help reach robust agreement at the Leaders summit later this week in Copenhagen. The President also expressed support for Bangladesh’s efforts to combat terrorism in South Asia.

• Click Here for the Complete Readout of the President’s Calls with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh and Prime Minister Meles of Ethiopia

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s speech on Human Rights at Georgetown University: The Human Rights Agenda for the 21st Century

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke at Georgetown University on Human Rights December 14. In her speech she emphasized that human rights, democracy, and development must work together to achieve a world in which every person has the opportunity to fulfill his or her God-given potential. Secretary Clinton has been a champion for human rights throughout her career and she has made supporting and defending human rights and democracy a cornerstone of her work as the Secretary of State.

• Read Secretary of State's speech on Human Rights at Georgetown University (PDF)

Thousands Visit America Week in Rajshahi (রাজশাহীতে হাজার হাজার মানুষের আমেরিকা সপ্তাহ পরিদর্শন)

America Week, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy, concluded December 10 in Rajshahi. More than 10,000 visitors attended the events and learned how to study at a U.S. university, apply for a U.S. visa, or participate in a U.S. Government-funded development project.

• Press Release: Thousands Visit America Week in Rajshahi | In Bangla (রাজশাহীতে হাজার হাজার মানুষের আমেরিকা সপ্তাহ পরিদর্শন)
• Remarks by Ambassador James F. Moriarty at the International Anti-Corruption Day 2009 | In Bangla (PDF)
• Remarks by Ambassador James F. Moriarty at the America Week Opening Dinner | In Bangla (PDF)
• Remarks of Ambassador James F. Moriarty at the Opening of America Week Press Conference | In Bangla (PDF)

Remarks by the President in Address to the Nation on the Way Forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan

U.S. President Barack Obama outlined his strategy on Afghanistan and Pakistan at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. 

• Watch the Video
• Read President Obama's Address to the Nation on the Way Forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan | In Bangla (PDF)
• Fact Sheet: the Way Forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan | In Bangla (PDF)
• An Analytical Review Reaction: Professor Shafiqur Rahman Speaks on Obama Speech
• Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's Remarks:
  U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan | Administration's Strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan | Message to the People of Afghanistan | Message to the People of Pakistan
• Article: Troop Surge Will Allow Afghans to Assume Security Responsibility
• Question and Answer Session on New Afghanistan Strategy 
• Read the Transcript of FPC Briefing by General Jones on "The Way Forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan"
• President’s message to the people of Afghanistan 

More News | Press Releases | Speeches & Remarks from the Embassy