"We are equally progressing in the war of foreign policy and diplomacy," Morshed Khan, who is now on a private visit to the USA, said while addressing a rally of expatriate Bangladeshis here on Thursday.

The rally was held on the occasion of the inauguration of the newly furnished Bangladesh Consulate in New York, USA.

Presided over by Consul General Rafiq Ahmed Khan, the rally was addressed by Gias Ahmed, Abdul Latif Samrat, Golam Maula Manik and Professor Mebel Gomej.

The foreign minister said Bangladesh is playing an important role in the UN-sponsored peacekeeping mission by sending its troops in different conflict-ridden countries to establish peace there.

He said excellent bilateral relations now exist between Bangladesh and the United States of America.

Describing expatriate Bangladeshis as better immigrants in the USA, he said the US authorities did not deport Bangladeshi people from the USA indiscriminately due to their well reputation.

The foreign minister criticised a vested quarter for spreading falsehood and propaganda against the country abroad. "We are shocked when the US authorities inform us of the propaganda against Bangladesh made by leaders of a certain political party and some other quarters," he added.

"This identified quarter will not be successful by spreading propaganda against the majority of the people in Bangladesh," he said.

Permanent Representative of Bangladesh Mission in the UN Dr

Iftekhar Choudhury, Press Minister M Muhaddes, Chief Executive

Officer of Sonali Exchange Asaduzzamnan were present.