Remarks

Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Judith A. Chammas at Iftar Party

Dhaka

October 27, 2005

I am pleased to welcome you here tonight to share an Iftar meal.

During my time in the Diplomatic corps, I have had the pleasure to serve in capitols across the Muslim world – Damascus, Baghdad, Sanaa, Tunis and finally Dhaka. I have learned that, for more than a billion Muslims, Ramadan is a time of heartfelt prayer and togetherness. It is a time of fasting and personal sacrifice. It is a time to give thanks for God's blessings through works of charity.

One Muslim leader said: "It's a national and Islamic obligation to assist one's neighbors when they are in need." The American people saw that spirit as we recovered from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The world sees that spirit, that compassion of Islam, through the countless acts of kindness following the recent earthquake in India and Pakistan.

Throughout American history and, indeed world history, we have been blessed by the contributions of people of many faiths, including Islam. The Muslim citizens of the United States help to make us a stronger nation, as the Muslims of Bangladesh form the base of your strength.

America is fortunate to count such good-hearted men and women among our fellow citizens. We have great respect for the commitment that all Muslims make to faith, family, and education. And Americans of many backgrounds seek to learn more about the rich tradition of Islam. To promote greater understanding between our cultures, the US government is encouraging American families to travel abroad, to visit with Muslim families, to host exchange students from the Muslim world. We encourage young Americans to study the language and customs of the Muslim world. And, for the first time in our nation's history, we recently added a Koran to the White House Library.

As we celebrate this special Iftaar, we renew the ties of friendship that bind all those who trace their faith back to God's call on Abraham. We recognize the many hopeful works we have achieved together. We look forward to learning more from each other in the years ahead. I hope this is a blessed Ramadan for all of us in this room, for Muslims in Bangladesh and the United States, and for Muslims around the world. Thank you and Ramadan Kareem.

 

Note:  A Bangla translation of this article is also available from the American Center.  If you are interested in the translation, please call the American Center Press Section (Tel: 8813440-4, Fax: 9881677; e-mail: DhakaPA@state.gov; Website: dhaka.usembassy.gov