Foreign-Affairs
Donald Lu lauds Bangladeshi Americans for building foundation of ties between two countries
US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, has highly appreciated the contributions of the Bangladeshi Americans in building the foundation of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Lu was addressing, as the guest of honour, a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Tuesday evening on the occasion of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh.
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Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran delivered the welcome address at the function held at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Mission.
The US Assistant Secretary of State said that there are huge number of Bangladeshi Americans in the United States and it is their strength and tremendous hard work that builds the foundation of the excellent relations between the two countries.
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“We are so proud of the work of the Bangladeshi Americans, what they do to support the relations between our two great nations,” Bangladesh Embassy in Washington quoted Lu as saying.
In this connection, Lu referred to Bangladeshi-American entrepreneurs who have excelled in different fields with their unique and innovative ideas.
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The US Assistant Secretary of State concluded his remarks by saying, “Happy Birthday Bangladesh and Joy Bangla.”
In his welcome remarks, Bangladesh Ambassador Muhammad Imran extended heartfelt greetings to all Bangladeshis living at home and abroad on the occasion of Independence and National Day.
He also paid deep homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and three million martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of independence.
Ambassador Imran said Bangladesh attaches high importance to its long-standing partnership with the United States. Ever since the establishment of the two countries’ relations, excellent understanding and collaboration with the United States have played a positive role in Bangladesh’s development journey.
He mentioned that Bangladesh also shares with the United States a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region with shared prosperity for all.
"We sincerely believe that two countries will be able to strengthen and advance the relationship further and explore new areas of cooperation," Ambassador Imran said.He said Bangladesh looks forward to the support and cooperation from all its friends to realise the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to transform Bangladesh into “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal), a hunger-and poverty-free prosperous Bangladesh.
Later, the US Assistant Secretary of State and the Bangladesh Ambassador jointly cut a cake in the presence of the guests.
Earlier, the reception began with the playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States. It was followed by a screening of a documentary on the Liberation War and development of Bangladesh.
Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales, Director, Office of Foreign Missions, US State Department; ambassadors and diplomats of different countries, senior officials of the State Department, and representatives from the US Government, USAID, USTR, NDI, IRI and other organisations were present at the function.
The event was also attended by Ambassador Muhammad Ziauddin, Ambassador at Large of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and former Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA, Dr. Ahmed Kaikaus, ex-Alternate Executive Director of World Bank Group and Principal Secretary to Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Saddam Selim, a Bangladeshi American elected a State Senator from Virginia and Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, the President of the US chapter of Bangladesh Awami League, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.
To celebrate Independence and National Day, the Bangladesh Embassy arranged daylong programs that included hoisting of the National Flag, placing a floral wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, screening of a documentary and holding a discussion session and a special prayer.
Visit by Qatar's Emir to strengthen cooperation in manpower, energy, and investment: Foreign Ministry
Bangladesh and Qatar want to expand the existing ties with broader cooperation in the areas of manpower, energy, trade and investment following the planned visit of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Bangladesh next month.
The two countries are in discussion to finalise nearly a dozen of cooperation documents which will be signed during the visit, said a source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two-day visit is likely to take place on April 21-22, he said.
The two sides are now working on the MoUs and agreements that will be signed after the Emir’s meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already held an inter-ministerial meeting to discuss various aspects of the visit.
In March last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had a meeting with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Doha.
She sought increased energy, particularly LNG, from Qatar to meet the energy demands.
The State of Qatar recognised Bangladesh as a sovereign State on March 4, 1974 following the 2nd OIC Summit held in February 1974.
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Bangladesh opened its diplomatic mission in Doha on June 25, 1975. The State of Qatar reciprocated by opening its diplomatic mission in Dhaka in 1982.
Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Qatar are based on mutual respect, shared values, common religious ground, shared culture, and tradition.
People-to-people contacts bolstered by more than four hundred thousand Bangladeshi workers who are highly appreciated as disciplined and hardworking is one of the dominant features of bilateral relations, according to the MoFA.
Bangladesh and Qatar consider each other as brotherly countries and important development partners in materialising Bangladesh’s Vision 2041 and Qatar’s vision 2030.
Read more: Bangladesh ambassador accredited to Hungary presents credentials to Hungarian president
Bangladesh ambassador accredited to Hungary presents credentials to Hungarian president
Asad Alam Siam, ambassador of Bangladesh accredited to Hungary, presented his credentials to Dr Tamas Sulyok, president of Hungary at the Sándor Palace in Budapest on Tuesday.
The presentation of credentials was followed by a meeting with the president, where Ambassador Siam conveyed to him the warm greetings and felicitations of the President of Bangladesh for his beginning as president.
President Tamás congratulated Bangladesh on its 54th Independence Day and National Day.
They also discussed the issues of mutual interests between Bangladesh and Hungary.
Ambassador Siam has been accorded a guard of honour by the Honour Guards’ Platoon of Hungary.
As part of the ceremony, Asad Alam Siam was escorted by the Honour Guards’ Platoon at the "Wreath Laying Ceremony" at the Heroes' Square.
Bhutanese King visits Padma Bridge, Special Economic Zone in Araihazar
Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Wednesday visited the Padma Bridge today, an infrastructural feat constructed entirely through 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.
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad A Arafat accompanied the King.
After visiting the Padma Bridge, King Jigme visited a Special Economic Zone in Araihazar, Narayanganj, in the afternoon and witnessed firsthand the infrastructure and facilities there.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori and Executive Chairman of BEZA Shaikh Yusuf Harun received the King.
After a video presentation and brief discussion, he visited the Singer Bangladesh Limited construction site there.
On Thursday afternoon, the King will visit Kurigram Special Economic Zone.
Bhutan has already conveyed its appreciation to Bangladesh for offering the Special Economic Zone in Kurigram, which is 190 km from the southern city of Gelephu, Bhutan.
An MoU has been signed in this regard by the authorities of Bhutan and Bangladesh.
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, the two South Asian countries hope.
After visiting the Economic Zone in Kurigram, the King will go to Sonahat Land Port, where he will be given guard of honour by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
The Bhutanese King is scheduled to leave Bangladesh territory at 3:30 pm on Thursday for Golakganj, Assam via Sonahat Land Port.
State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury will see him off there.
The state visit of the King to Bangladesh has further strengthened the traditional ties of friendship, cooperation, and goodwill between the two countries, according to a joint statement.
Both sides expressed happiness that Bhutan and Bangladesh 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 will also work as a platform for paving the way for an interconnected South Asia.
Both countries expressed satisfaction on the recent initiatives between the two for facilitating trade such as Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) — the first of its kind for the two countries — and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for seamless use of the inland waterways of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh keen for global digital system without discrimination: FS Momen
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Wednesday said the government is giving utmost importance to the Global Digital Compact.
Bangladesh wants a global digital system without discrimination, he said.
The Foreign Secretary also said there is an opportunity to control the digital system in the light of work, culture, history, and life system to protect the rights of a country.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of "Bangladesh Consultation on Global Digital Compact & Summit of the Future 2024."
In September 2020, on the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the UN, member states adopted a political declaration, guided by the charter, on how they are going to ensure the future they want and the UN they need.
Consequently, in September 2021 the UN Secretary General published his report—“Our Common Agenda” which proposes a Global Digital Compact.
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The proposed Global Digital Compact is set to be agreed upon at the Summit of the Future in September 2024 at the UN headquarters.
The Bangladesh Initiative for Unified Voices on Global Digital Compact & Summit of the Future 2024 under the auspices of the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF) & BNNRC have been trying to engage all multi-stakeholders in this process, like as Parliamentarians, Government, UN system, Private sector, Technical Communities, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Academia, and Youth communities since 2022.
BIGF & BNNRC organized the "National Consultation on Global Digital Compact: An Open, Free and Secure Digital Future for All and the UN Summit of the Future 2024: Multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow with the support of the UNDP Bangladesh and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh attended the consultation as the guest of honour.
Former minister Hasanul Haque Inu said that the whole world is going through the tremors of climate change and digital transformation.
Bangladesh also has to adapt to it, he said, urging all to ensure easy availability and access to technology.
He said that digital transformation needs to be properly managed to secure it, which requires a framework. "It is necessary to determine what are the problems, possibilities and challenges of Bangladesh in creating that structure and coming inside the structure."
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AHM. Bazlur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of Bangladesh Initiative for Unified Voices on Global Digital Compact and UN Summit for the Future 2024 also spoke.
Anir Chowdhury, Policy Adviser of a2i, ICT Division, who delivered the keynote speech in the concluding session, said that there is no alternative to a dirt divide or non-discriminatory digital system, which requires a lot of investment.
The 'Summit of the Future 2024' is going to be held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on September 22-23.
Bangladesh’s Independence Day celebrated in Netherlands
The Embassy of Bangladesh in the Netherlands celebrated the 53rd anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh with due dignity in a festive atmosphere (26 March 2024, the Hague).
The celebration started with hoisting the national flag at the Embassy premises in the early morning.
In the evening, the Embassy hosted a reception at the prestigious Marriott Hotel in the heart of the Hague. Bangladesh Ambassador M Riaz Hamidullah, his spouse Sazia Ahmed, officials of the Embassy welcomed the guests at the reception.
The former Dutch Prime minister and the present Minister of State, Jan Peter Balkenende graced the reception as the guest of honour. Dutch politicians, academics, entrepreneurs, NGO representatives, business persons, high government officials, ambassadors of different countries, expatriate Bangladeshi professionals joined the event.
The programme started with the national anthems of Bangladesh and the Netherlands. Bangladesh Ambassador recalled the contribution of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the architect of our independence. He said that in the five decades since, defying many odds, Bangladesh made notable strides. Today, Bangladesh stands as the second-largest economy in South Asia, and 35th largest globally. Much of that is credited to political and social stability aside sustained and equitable economic growth thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In positioning Bangladesh with her value-driven policies, we firmly hold on to democracy, pluralism and secularism. He further said that Bangladesh – Netherlands ties as also a vision of global well-being premised on shared prosperity - be it sustainable development, tackling climate change or advancing circularity.
The former prime minister of the Netherlands Jan Peter Balkenende apprised Bangladesh’s remarkable development. He acclaimed how Bangladesh is getting prosperous under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
A microcosm of Bangladesh was presented through traditional decorations including miniature of traditional boats of Bangladesh which attracted many guests. Audio-visuals on Bangladesh’s history, culture, tourism, tradition, development and potential were screened. Two prominent, contemporary dancers from Bangladesh Alif and Maati, showcased traditional Bangladeshi dance through their rendition. The guests were served authentic Bangladeshi cuisine during the dinner.
UAE buildings decorated with Bangladesh flag
United Arab Emirates (UAE) has celebrated Bangladesh's Independence Day by decorating its landmarks buildings with Bangladesh flag.
On the occasion of Bangladesh's Independence Day 2024, iconic landmarks in the United Arab Emirates, including the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world in Dubai and the ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi, were adorned in the vibrant red and green shades of the Bangladeshi national flag on March 26, 2024 (Tuesday).
This symbolic gesture of solidarity serves to foster bilateral harmony and commemorate significant moments with Bangladesh.
UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh, Abdulla Ali AlHmoudi emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations and expressed optimism about further expanding their excellent relations across various dimensions in the future.
With more than a million Bangladeshi expatriates residing in the UAE, it stands as the second-largest community of non-resident Bangladeshis worldwide.
Bangladeshis represent the third-largest expatriate group in the UAE. Among these expatriates are workers, along with professionals such as doctors, engineers, professors, accountants, and IT experts.
Moreover, the UAE currently ranks as the top source of remittances to Bangladesh.
Professor Yunus launches partnership with Milano Cortina Winter Olympic 2026
Nobel laureate Professor Yunus has visited Venice and Milan to finalise the partnership between Milan Cortina Winter Olympic and Yunus Sports Hub.
During his visit to Venice on March 18, Prof Yunus was the honorary host of the launch event of Impact 2026, the social procurement programme delivered as a partnership between Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 (organizer of the 2026 winter Olympic and Paralympic Games), Yunus Sports Hub and Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini.
The aim of the programme is to make sure that social businesses benefit from the economic opportunities of the 2026 Games.
He opened the event with a keynote speech promoting the concept of social business and the world of three zeros in sports.
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The event was hosted by the Ca’Foscari University of Venice, the Veneto region and the City of Venice, said a press release.
The Ca’Foscari University of Venice established a Yunus Social Business Centre five years back during Professor Yunus's visit to the university at the invitaion of the university, dedicating the Centre for implementation of social business in the academic curriculum.
The Faculty members of several other Yunus Social Business Centres in different parts of Italy also arrived in Venice to participate in the launching ceremony and meet Professor Yunus.
On March 19, Prof Yunus addressed the students of the university of Bocconi , the topmost Italian management school.
Prof Yunus expounded his vision about a world of three zeros, social business, and its link with sports . The event was organized within the framework of the launch of the Executive Master in Events, launched in partnership between University of Bocconi and Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026.
During his visit to Milan Professor Yunus received the Italian rapper, singer, songwriter, social media personality and businessman, superstar Fedez.
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Fedez expressed his interest in partnering with him in the movement towards building a World of Three Zeros.
When Fedze expressed his desire to create a social business in Europe jointly with Professor Yunus, he accepted the offer and invited him to visit Bangladesh to finalise the partnership.
Australian Assistant Defence Minister expresses willingness to continue to work with Bangladesh govt
Australian Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite has congratulated the Bangladesh government for conducting a successful national election and expressed his country’s willingness to continue to work with the government of Bangladesh.
Thistlethwaite said this at the 53rd Independence and National Day reception organised by the Bangladesh High commission in Canberra on March 26.
The assistant defence minister highlighted that Bangladesh and Australia enjoy excellent bilateral relations rooted in Australia’s recognition of Bangladesh on January 31, 1972.
He added that the relations were further strengthened by the visit of the then Labour Prime Minister Gough Whitlam to Bangladesh in 1975. He commended the Bangladesh diaspora in Australia for their contribution to Australian society.
In his statement, High Commissioner M Allama Siddiki expressed optimism that the Bangladesh-Australia bilateral partnership would be strengthened and widened in the coming days.
He conveyed his gratitude to the government and people of Australia for the cause of the Liberation War.
Offering tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the High Commissioner recalled Bangabandhu’s unflinching leadership and contribution of the valiant freedom fighters in achieving the independence of Bangladesh.
He also highlighted economic success along with communal harmony and liberal culture in Bangladesh in his remarks.
More than 250 guests including Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Chair of Australia-India Parliamentary Group Andrew Charlton MP, ACT Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Peter Cain MLA, Chief of Protocol, Deputy Secretary of South and South East Asia Group and other senior representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Defence, Department of Agriculture, ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic community, members of the business community, representatives from media and distinguished members of Bangladesh community attended the reception.
Members of the Band of the Royal Military College of Australia performed the instrumental national anthems of Bangladesh and Australia at the reception.
Documentaries on Bangladesh's rich culture, history, heritage and economic success and business opportunities were screened.
Earlier on the March 26 morning, the national flag was hoisted at the Chancery premises. The messages of the President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister were read out.
A special munajat was also offered for the salvation of the departed souls of the Father of the Nation and his family members, martyrs of the Liberation War, as well as for a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s story is one of extraordinary strength, perseverance and determination: UNGA President
President of the UN General Assembly, Ambassador Dennis Francis, has said with a well-educated workforce and a dynamic youth population, modern Bangladesh has overcome remarkable odds to become an economic powerhouse in South Asia.
Francis made the comment while delivering remarks as the chief guest at a reception hosted by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York to celebrate Independence and National Day of Bangladesh.
The President of the UN General Assembly mentioned that Bangladesh’s story is one of extraordinary strength, perseverance and determination in the most trying of times.
He also stated that in addressing the United Nations, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman eloquently ushered in fresh ideas for building a world free from economic inequalities, social injustice, and the threats of nuclear war.
At the reception, the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith delivered welcome remarks and mentioned that even after the Liberation War that caused unprecedented destruction, Bangladesh was able to demonstrate remarkable resilience and achieve tremendous success in its development trajectory.
Especially over the last decade, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has emerged as a role model for development.
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Ambassador Muhith paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, three million martyrs, two hundred thousand women who were victims of sexual violence and all heroic freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifice for Bangladesh’s independence. He also expressed most sincere gratitude to the friendly nations who accelerated Bangladesh’s victory by extending all possible support – both at the battlefield and at the diplomatic front.
Both President of the General Assembly and the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh referred to the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s membership to the United Nations.
Ambassador Muhith further mentioned that guided by the famous dictum of the Father of the Nation: “Friendship to all, malice towards none”, Bangladesh joined the UN family 50 years ago and made multilateralism an absolute priority.
He also reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to make value-driven contribution to all important UN discourses.
Bangladesh Embassy in Seoul celebrates Independence Day
The event was attended by around 150 Permanent Representatives, high officials of the UN Secretariat, international media personalities, think tank and other dignitaries.
The event started with hoisting of national flag and playing the national anthem.