Foreign-Affairs
Independence Day and National Day 2024 Celebrated in Tokyo
Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo has celebrated the Great Independence and National Day 2024 with much enthusiasm and fervor.
The programme started with hoisting of the National Flag with rendition of the National Anthem at the Embassy premises by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed.
Later one-minute silence of respect was observed in the memory of the martyrs of the war of independence of Bangladesh in 1971.
Genocide perpetrated by Pakistan army in 1971 one of the most brutal atrocities in history: Bangladesh Envoy
The invited guests, including Bangladeshi, expatriates in Japan and the Embassy officials led by Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed laid floral wreaths on the portrait of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Auditorium. After that, a special prayer was offered for the peace and forgiveness of the souls of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the martyred members of the Bangabandhu family, the martyrs of the Great Liberation War and for the welfare of the country and the nation.
Besides, messages given on the Independence Day by the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were read out to the audiences.
In the discussion session, Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed solemnly recalled and paid tribute to the greatest Bengali of all time, the architect of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members who died on 15 August 1975.
He also paid homage to the martyrs of our liberation war, national four leaders, organizers and supporters of liberation war and sacrifices made by the two lacs women who lost their dignity and honor for the country.
He said that due to the Prime Minister’s hard work and prudent leadership, Bangladesh’s development and progress are now recognized worldwide. The ambassador urged all concerned to contribute more from their respective positions to implement the ‘Vision 2041’ declared by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to turn Bangladesh into a developed, prosperous and knowledge based smart country.In the evening, the Independence Day reception program and dinner was held at the New Otani Hotel in Tokyo.
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Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuge Yoshifumi was the chief guest at the event.
Japanese political leaders, senior officials, chamber representatives, ambassadors and diplomats from various missions in Tokyo and members of the Bangladesh community attended the event.
Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed and his wife Shahina Akther welcomed the chief guest and other guests on the occasion.
Special supplements were also published in Japanese local newspapers on Independence Day.
Genocide perpetrated by Pakistan army in 1971 one of the most brutal atrocities in history: Bangladesh Envoy
High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada Dr Khalilur Rahman has said the genocide perpetrated by the Pakistani invading forces during Bangladesh's War of Liberation in 1971 stands as one of the most brutal atrocities in history.
He recounted the premeditated implementation of ‘Operation Searchlight’ on March 25, 1971, which unleashed a wave of violence by the Pakistani occupation forces resulting in the deaths of 3 million people and the rapes of over two million women over the nine months of war.
He underscored the ongoing efforts of the High Commission towards securing recognition of the 1971 genocide in Canada.
He cited the collaborative efforts between the High Commission and the Bangabandhu Center for Bangladesh Studies in Canada (BCBS), which resulted in the decision of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) in Winnipeg, Canada for the ‘Permanent Display of the Exhibits of the Genocide’ as well as the permanent display of the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in their Breaking the Silence Gallery.
He expressed optimism that the commissioning of the permanent display by CMHR would take place officially in September/October 2024.
On March 25, Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa observed Genocide Day-2024 with solemn reverence.
High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, presided over a special discussion meeting commemorating the occasion at the High Commission's auditorium.
All officers and officials of the High Commission were present during the discussion event.
The proceedings commenced with observance of a minute of silence in remembrance of 3 million martyrs who sacrificed their lives in 1971.
Subsequently, messages from the President, Prime Minister on this significant day were read out by respective officers of the High Commission.
A documentary capturing the essence of the Genocide Day was also screened.
Among others, Dewan Hossne Ayub, Minister of the High Commission emphasised the importance of international recognition of the 1971 genocide.
Concluding the event, a special prayer was offered for the souls of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation, and the three million martyrs of the Liberation War.
Independence and National Day celebrated in Malaysia
The 54th great Independence and National Day of Bangladesh was celebrated at Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia with due solemnity and enthusiasm.
On Tuesday (March 26, 2024), the High Commission organized various programs at the Chancery to celebrate the day in a befitting manner. In the first phase of the programme, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia, Shameem Ahsan hoisted the national flag of Bangladesh in presence of the expatriate Bangladeshis in Malaysia and officials of the High Commission.
After that, the High Commissioner placed floral wreaths on the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The second segment of the event comprised reading out the messages of the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Screening of documentary, discussion, and holding special prayers seeking divine blessings for eternal peace of the departed souls of the 1971 martyrs and for continued development, peace and progress of the country.
In the main discussion event of the day, High Commissioner Md. Shamim Ahsan paid profound tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the prime architect of Bangladesh’s independence and to all the martyrs of the great liberation war. He highlighted the background and significance of this historic day. He said Bangabandhu struggled throughout his life o realize his dream to build “Sonar Bangla”. Bangabandhu's visionary leadership and extraordinary personality united the entire Bengali nation in a single thread and helped achieve the long-cherished independence of Bangladesh within nine months of liberation war.
The High Commissioner stated that following Bangabandhu's dream of building a 'Golden Bangla', Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is determined to build a prosperous and knowledge-based Smart Bangladesh. As a result of her dynamic leadership, Bangladesh has been referred as the “Role Model of Development” by the international community. He added that Bangladesh's progress in poverty alleviation, women's empowerment, environmental protection, health, education and in various other social indicators is enviable.
On this auspicious occasion of the glorious Independence and National Day, the High Commissioner called for unity among the expatriate Bangladeshis in Malaysia and sought sincere cooperation in extending smooth and effective services among more than a million of Bangladeshi nationals living in Malaysia. He urged the diaspora to work together to build the 'Golden Bangla' of Bangabandhu's dream and the 'Advanced and Smart Bangladesh' of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Expatriate Bangladesh community in Malaysia, Political leaders, journalists and High Commission officials were present at the event.
Earlier, on 8th March 2024, Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur hosted a diplomatic reception on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh where Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources of Malaysia attended as the guest of honour and around 400 guests were in attendance.
Expose Pakistani Army’s March 25 atrocities before world community: Ambassador Imran
The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC observed the “Genocide Day” on Monday in remembrance of the atrocities committed by the Pakistani Army on the unarmed Bangalees on March 25 in 1971 under the infamous "Operation Searchlight".
The Embassy organized elaborate programs to pay deep homage to the martyrs who were brutally killed by the Pakistani Army on the black night of March 25 in 1971.
The day’s programs began with observance of one-minute silence in memory of the martyrs of the Liberation War.
The messages issued on the occasion by President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were read out by Defense Attache Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam and Minister (Political) Md Rashedujjaman.
This was followed by screening of a documentary on the brutalities of the Pakistani Army in Bangladesh in 1971 and a seminar highlighting the importance of the day.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran took part in the discussion on the seminar titled “Genocide in 1971’’, while Counsellor (Political) Arifa Rahman Ruma presented the keynote paper in it.
Taking part in the discussion, Ambassador Imran paid rich tributes to the greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and three million martyrs of the Liberation War.
Describing the Pakistani Army’s atrocities on the 25th March in 1971 as one of the worst genocides in human history, he said the Pakistani military junta unleashed mass killings and destruction in Dhaka and other areas to execute their blueprint to crush the movement for independence of freedom-loving Bangalees and stop the Awami League from assuming office following its victory in the 1970 election.
Ambassador Imran called upon all including expatriate Bangladeshis to expose the Pakistani Army’s brutalities on the unarmed Bangalees on March 25 in 1971 and following nine months before the world community to get global recognition of the genocide.
Ambassador Imran said Bangabandhu formally proclaimed the independence of Bangladesh at the first hour of the 26th March in 1971 after the Pakistani Army’s barbaric attack.
Under Bangabandhu’s undaunted leadership, Bangladesh achieved ultimate victory on December 16 in 1971 after the nine-month bloody war against Pakistan, he said.
The Ambassador requested all to work unitedly to build “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal) as dreamt by Bangabandhu, and join the journey of establishing a “Smart Bangladesh” by 2041 under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina being imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War and ideology of the Father of the Nation.
While presenting the keynote paper at the seminar, Arifa Rahman Ruma narrated the Pakistani military junta’s atrocities and destruction on March 25 night in 1971 and following nine months in Bangladesh.
She underscored the need for making coordinated efforts by all concerned to get the international recognition of the genocide in Bangladesh.
The programs ended with offering a special prayer seeking divine blessings for eternal peace of the departed souls of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the martyrs of the War of Liberation.
First Secretary (Passport & Visa Wing) Muhammad Abdul Hye Milton conducted the programs.
UAE leaders congratulate President, Prime Minister on Independence Day
Leaders of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in separate messages, congratulated the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh on the occasion of Independence Day and National Day of Bangladesh.
The UAE is also celebrating Bangladesh’s Independence Day by illuminating the flag of Bangladesh on its iconic and landmark buildings, said the UAE Embassy in Dhaka.
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On the occasion of Independence Day, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has sent congratulatory messages to President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and ruler of Dubai, has sent congratulatory messages to President Mohammed Shahabuddin and PM Sheikh Hasina.
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Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, has also sent separate congratulatory messages to President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In their messages, they extended best wishes for their counterpart’s sound health and wished continued peace, progress, prosperity and well-being for the friendly country and people of Bangladesh.
PM releases commemorative stamp on Independence Day
Bangladesh, China enjoy solid, profound political trust and fruitful practical cooperation: Xi Jinping
Chinese President Xi Jinping has said Bangladesh and China enjoy "solid and profound" political trust, and "fruitful practical cooperation" in various fields, bringing tangible benefits to the two nations.
Xi Jinping noted that over the past 53 years, Bangladesh has steadfastly upheld its independence, strived to develop its economy and improve people's livelihood, and made remarkable achievements, laying a solid foundation for realising the dream of “Sonar Bangla”.
He sent a letter of congratulation to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin on the occasion of Independence Day.
Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Bangladesh are traditional friendly neighbours, and the friendship between the two countries has grown from strength to strength.
He emphasised that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations and stands ready to work with President Mohammed Shahabuddin to further advance high-quality Belt and Road Cooperation and deepen China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation.
On the same day, Chinese Premier of the State Council Li Qiang and Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi sent messages of congratulation separately to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud respectively.
US proud to partner with Bangladesh on many of today’s most pressing issues: Blinken
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has congratulated the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of Independence Day on March 26.
On behalf of the United States of America, Blinken extended warm wishes to all Bangladeshis on this special day.
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The US looks forward to enhancing the partnership and people-to-people ties between the two countries in the year ahead, Blinken said in a statement.
"The United States is proud to partner with Bangladesh on many of today’s most pressing issues, including combating climate change, advancing economic development, responding to the Rohingya refugee crisis, supporting peacekeeping operations worldwide, and addressing global health challenges," he said.
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Blinken said the partnership plays an important role in ensuring a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
"As Bangladesh celebrates another year of independence, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening democratic governance and protecting human rights – efforts which will increase Bangladesh’s prosperity," he said.
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Bangladesh envoy calls for motion in Britain's parliament recognising 1971 genocide
High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem has called for a fresh motion at the British Parliament recognising the 1971 genocide, recalling the early day motion adopted at the British Parliament in June 1971 that ‘stopping the genocide in East Bengal and recognising Bangladesh’.
At a high-profile commemorative event at the British Parliament on Bangladesh Genocide Day 2024 hosted by the Bangladesh High Commission, London, the High Commissioner said, “There is strong documentary and eyewitness evidence that genocide was committed on Bangladesh soil in 1971, yet the world has failed to recognise it”.
Senior British parliamentarians, eminent academics, legal experts, freedom fighters, and community leaders participated in the commemorative events titled ‘Remembering the Bangladesh Genocide 1971: The Road to International Recognition”.
The High Commissioner cited several international media reports on the Bengali Genocide, including Anthony Mascarenhas's lead article in the Sunday Times headlined "Genocide" and similar reports on mass atrocities by The Telegraph and BBC that shocked the world and prompted global leaders to act.
The envoy said, “Sir Peter Shore, MP, who was chair of the UK’s Foreign Affairs Committee in 1971, moved a motion in the UK parliament condemning atrocities committed in erstwhile East Pakistan, followed by another motion, moved by Action Bangladesh and supported by over 233 cross-party members, calling for the end of genocide in East Bengal and the recognition of Bangladesh”.
Expressing her gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for declaring 25 March as Bangladesh Genocide Day, the High Commissioner said: "Bangladesh High Commission, London has organised many events including one with the University College, London for creating global awareness about the 1971 Bengali genocide and getting international recognition of it.”
The High Commissioner commended the US Congress resolution led by Congressman Ro Khanna and Congressman Steve Chabot, which needs to be emulated in the British parliament.
She called upon British-Bangladeshi politicians, academia, professionals, and community leaders to create greater awareness of the Bangladesh genocide amongst British political, humanitarian, and think-tank circles.
Speaking on the occasion, UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Bangladesh and Vice Chair of the APPG on Bangladesh Tom Hunt MP said, “The atrocities that occurred in Bangladesh in 1971 during the War of Liberation was an unforgettable event”. He assured that he would be working with the Bangladesh High Commission, London, and the diaspora towards creating awareness about the 1971 genocide and introducing a new motion in the UK Parliament to recognise it.
Lord Rami Ranger, Patron of Conservative Friends of India, and the cohost of the event expressed his support for getting its international recognition.
Chairman of the British Asian Conservative Link Lord Suri urged the UK policymakers to bring a fresh motion in the parliament in favour of international recognition of the genocide in Bangladesh during the 9-month War of Liberation in 1971.
Professor of International Law and Human Rights of the University of Birmingham Professor Mohammad Shahabuddin said that the 1971 genocide in Bangladesh by the Pakistan army fulfilled all criteria to be recognised by the UN.
Val Harding, a Swadhinata Trust, UK trustee who served as a nurse in a refugee camp in Calcutta during the 1971 War of Liberation, recalled seeing thousands of traumatised and distressed people who sought refuge in India after fleeing atrocities committed by the Pakistani invading army and their local collaborators.
Professor Nazia M Habib of Cambridge University, daughter of a freedom fighter, remembered how her father witnessed the intellectual killing at Dhaka University in 1971 and demanded justice for the victims.
Her suggestion was to make systematic efforts, collect more evidence, and collaborate with diplomats and lawyers to obtain UN recognition for the Bengali genocide.
Organiser of Bangladesh Liberation War Overseas Freedom Movement in the UK Sultan Mahmud Sharif, Freedom Fighter and Study Circle Chair Syed Mozammel Ali, Patron of Oxfam UK Azizur Rahman, President of Sammmilito Sangskrtik Jote UK Golam Mostafa and Director of the Swadhinata Trust Ansar Ahmad Ullah also spoke on the occasion. One minute of silence was observed to commemorate the “Black Night” of 25th March, 1971.
Bhutan's royal couple pay their respects to Bangabandhu at Dhanmandi-32
Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Monday visited the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi-32.
He paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing a wreath at his portrait.
The King and Queen Jetsun Pema visited different parts of the museum guided by Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Rehana, and PM Hasina’s daughter, WHO regional director Saima Wazed.
Bhutanese King's visit a testament of close ties of friendship and goodwill between Bangladesh, Bhutan: Joint Statement
The King also signed the museum's visitors’ book.
Dhaka, Thimphu sign 3 MoUs; agree to enhance ties in trade, connectivity, power
"This morning, my aunt and I showed Their Majesties, The Druk Gyalpo and Gyaltsuen, The King and Queen of Bhutan, our family home in Dhanmondi (now the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum)," Saima Wazed said in a social media post.
Dhaka, Thimphu agree to enhance cooperation in trade, connectivity, electricity
Bhutanese King's visit a testament of close ties of friendship and goodwill between Bangladesh, Bhutan: Joint Statement
Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will attend the celebration of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh on March 26 as the special guest.
He will pay tribute to the memory of the sacrifices of the heroic freedom fighters of Bangladesh at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar, which will include the laying of a wreath, signing the visitors’ book and planting of a sapling.
Queen of Bhutan Jetsun Pema Wangchuck will also attend accompanying the King.
The King of Bhutan is paying a state visit to Bangladesh from March 25 to 28 at the invitation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
The visit of the King to Bangladesh is a testament of the close ties of friendship and goodwill that so happily exist between the two countries, said a joint statement issued on Monday.
The state visit of the King and Queen to Bangladesh has further strengthened the traditional ties of friendship, cooperation and goodwill between the two countries, it said.
The King and Queen will meet with the President of Bangladesh. The President will host a banquet on Tuesday in honour of the King.
The King and Queen met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday.
The following Memoranda of Understanding (MoMs) were signed during the visit- MoU between Bangladesh and Bhutan for Cooperation on establishment of a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu and Health Cooperation; MoU between Bangladesh and Bhutan for Cooperation on establishing Bhutanese Special Economic Zone in Kurigram, Bangladesh by Bhutan and MoU between Directorate of National Consumers Right Protection of Bangladesh and the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority of Bhutan.
The agreement between Bangladesh and Bhutan onocultural cooperation was renewed.
Both sides expressed satisfaction that annual intake of Bhutanese students for admission in MBBS in public medical colleges of Bangladesh has been increasing gradually.
To further consolidate the existing momentum of cooperation, Bangladesh offered to increase the number of annual MBBS seats for Bhutanese students from 22 (twenty-two) to 30 (thirty).
During the official meeting, the two sides expressed happiness on the current state of relation between Bangladesh and Bhutan, which is a very special one based on common history, geographical proximity, and the shared aspiration of the people for prosperity and development.
King Jigme expressed his deep appreciation for the cordial welcome and warm hospitality extended to Him and the members of His delegation during their stay in Bangladesh.
Prime Minister of Bangladesh recalled with gratitude the invaluable support of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Third King of Bhutan and the people of Bhutan during Bangladesh’s War of Independence.
Prime Minister fondly recalled Bhutan being the first country to recognise Bangladesh as an independent country on 6th December 1971.
Both sides expressed happiness that Bangladesh and Bhutan signed the Agreement on the Movement of Traffic-in-Transit and its Protocol in March 2023 which will usher in new horizons for bilateral trade and connectivity.
The Agreement and its Protocol will not only be phenomenal for bilateral trade but also will work as a platform for paving the way for an interconnected South Asia, said the joint statement.
Both sides noted that regional and sub-regional connectivity are important means of economic integration and enhancing trade and commerce.
They noted with satisfaction that the collaborative efforts between the two sides in connectivity through roads, rail, and waterways will strengthen bilateral ties as well as foster regional integration and economic growth in South Asia.
A New Horizon
Bhutan conveyed its appreciation to Bangladesh for offering the ‘Special Economic Zone’ in ‘Kurigram’ in the northern part of Bangladesh, which is 190 kms from the southern city of Gelephu, Bhutan.
The economic zone will add a new horizon in the area of bilateral trade and investment between the two countries and also for achieving greater prosperity in the South Asia region.
Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening subregional cooperation in the energy sector among Bhutan, Bangladesh and India.
Both sides acknowledged that regional cooperation is very important for shared peace and prosperity in the region.
The King will visit Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn & Plastic Surgery in Dhaka on March 26 and interact with the officials, doctors and students there.
Bangladesh is going to establish a burn and plastic surgery unit in Thimphu which will be another milestone in the bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Bhutan in the health sector.
Both sides expressed satisfaction that there has been exemplary people-to-people contact between Bangladesh and Bhutan for decades.
They reiterated to further strengthen the peopleto-people contact between Bangladesh and Bhutan by connecting the Himalayas in Bhutan with the longest sea beach in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
The King Jigme will visit the Padma Bridge, a monumental infrastructural feat constructed entirely through the self-financing efforts of the Bangladesh government.
This remarkable infrastructure project stands as a testament to Bangladesh's commitment to advancing connectivity and fostering economic growth.
King Jigme will also visit a Special Economic Zone in Araihazar to witness firsthand the infrastructure and facilities there.
While in Dhaka, the King will also meet and interact with the Bangladesh business leaders and potential investors to explore new avenues for economic and commercial ties between the two countries.
The King of Bhutan extended invitations to the President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan.