foreign-affairs
AKDN reaffirms commitment to enhancing collaboration with Bangladesh
On behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), its Resident Diplomatic Representative Munir M Merali has extended the warmest felicitations to the government and the resilient people of Bangladesh as the country commemorated the 54th Independence Day on March 26.
This significant milestone serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit, resilience, and determination of the Bangladeshi nation in achieving independence and upholding the cherished values of freedom, democracy, and sovereignty, he said on behalf of all AKDN agencies and staff working in the country.
"Today, as we reflect on the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the pursuit of liberty and self-determination, let us also celebrate the remarkable achievements Bangladesh has attained," Merali said.
Bangladesh reiterates call for recognition of 1971 genocide
As Bangladesh continues along its path of progress and development, may this Independence Day serve as a poignant reminder of the nation's potential for a brighter future ahead, he said.
"AKDN stands in solidarity with Bangladesh, reaffirming our commitment to enhancing collaboration, particularly in the realm of education. We are dedicated to supporting initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education and teaching across the country," Merali said.
He extended heartfelt wishes of prosperity and harmony to all Bangladeshis on this joyous occasion.
On behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Bangladesh, it was both an honor and a privilege to join esteemed officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government, and fellow diplomats in participating in the wreath-laying ceremony at sunrise on this auspicious day 26th of March 2024, at the National Martyrs Memorial, Merali said.
Bangladesh Embassy in Seoul celebrates Independence Day
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Seoul celebrated the great Independence and National Day on Tuesday in a befitting manner.Bangladesh Ambassador to South Korea Delwar Hossain hoisted the national flag with the presence of the Embassy officials and expatriate Bangladeshis today.Then they paid homage to the Father of the Nation by placing floral wreaths in front of his bust inside the Chancery.
Muktijoddha Scholarship Scheme: 1,890 students to receive scholarships from India this yearA special prayer was offered for the salvation of the departed soul of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and all the valiant freedom fighters, and for the continued peace and prosperity of the country.The embassy officials read out the messages of the president, prime minister and foreign minister.A documentary on the Independence Day was screened. It was followed by a discussion.Ambassador Delwar Hossain paid a rich tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and to all the valiant freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices for the independence of Bangladesh.
Independence Day and National Day 2024 Celebrated in Tokyo
He called upon all to work together being imbued with the spirit of the great Liberation War to realize the dream of the Father of the Nation to build a Sonar Bangla.
Muktijoddha Scholarship Scheme: 1,890 students to receive scholarships from India this year
High Commission of India will announce the disbursement of "Nutan India- Bangladesh Maitree Muktijoddha Sontan Scholarship" from 27-31 March 2024.
This year, a total of 1,890 students will be awarded with scholarship totaling of Tk 6.78 crore.
The Muktijoddha Scholarship Scheme was launched by the Government of India in the year 2006, with an aim to felicitate 2,000 students per year, 1,000 each from Undergraduate and Higher Secondary level.
Originally, the undergraduate students were awarded Tk 24,000/- per year for a period of four years while the Higher Secondary students were awarded Tk 10,000/- per year for two years. The scholarship was re-launched in its current form in the year 2017 during the visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina to India.
Under the new scheme, the scholarship amount was revised to Tk 50,000/- for Undergraduate students and Tk 20,000/- for Higher Secondary students. From its introduction in 2006 till FY 2022-23, a total of 22,128 students have benefited from this programme and an amount of Tk 57.08 crore has been utilized for this purpose. For this year, scholarship will be granted to 890 Higher Secondary students and 1,000 Undergraduates.
The disbursement will be done from 27 – 31 March 2024.
The scholarship amount will be credited directly to the bank account of the students through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT).
Ministry of Liberation War Affairs of Bangladesh has been instrumental in the implementation of the scheme and has supported in identifying and selecting the students from all corners of Bangladesh, said the High Commission.
Bangladesh reiterates call for recognition of 1971 genocide
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has reiterated the call of the government of Bangladesh for due international recognition of the worst and the most horrific genocide in the 20th century perpetrated by the Pakistani regime in 1971 in the soil of Bangladesh.
"Genocide recognition pays tributes to the martyrs and other victims and brings some solace to the victim families and it reduces the trauma experienced by survivors and victims' families," he said.
He was speaking at an event jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs in collaboration with the Liberation War Museum to commemorate the Bangladesh Genocide Day on 25 March 2024 at the Museum.
Genocide perpetrated by Pakistan army in 1971 one of the most brutal atrocities in history: Bangladesh Envoy
He said that the memories and trauma associated with the genocide were still very much vivid in the collective memory of the people of Bangladesh that became a powerful symbol of strength and determination and ability of the people of Bangladesh to overcome any adversity.
The heinous strategy of rape, arson, looting and property damage, forced displacements were major features of the genocidal activities by the Pakistani forces backed by the collaborators.
All these features make the prima facie case of 1971 genocide in Bangladesh within the terms of the UN’s 1948 Genocide Convention.
The Foreign Secretary highlighted the bold steps taken by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to seek justice for the genocide victims, including the establishment of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in 1973 that were stymied by subsequent political upheavals.
He said that despite such setbacks, the initiatives of the Government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina revitalized the pursuit of justice and the drive of the government to secure an international recognition of the 1971 genocide of Bangladesh.
Expose Pakistani Army’s March 25 atrocities before world community: Ambassador Imran
Foreign Secretary expressed gratitude to all the leading international organizations, parliamentarians, scholars, and academia all over the world that recognized the 1971 Bangladesh Genocide and have been working relentlessly for its due international recognition.
He said that Bangladesh was one of the vocal members of the international community to oppose the ongoing genocidal activities in Gaza by the Israeli forces and Bangladesh was also part of the efforts of South Africa in its genocide case filed against Israel at the ICJ under 1948 Genocide Convention. He noted that Bangladesh was not only genocide victims, but also a saviour of genocide victims as the country temporarily sheltered more than 1.2 million Rohingyas who fled persecution and ‘genocide’ in their homeland Myanmar.
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque graced the occasion as the chief guest and Dr. Elisa von Joeden-Forgey, Executive Director of the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention presented the keynote speech on "Politics of Genocide Remembrance". Trustee and Member Secretary of the Lebration War Museum Sara Zaker, and Trustee Mofidul Hoque also spoke at the event.
Russian PM greets PM Hasina on Independence Day
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of Independence Day.
"On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation and on my own behalf, please accept congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of the People's Republic of Bangladesh - the Independence Day," he said.
Independence Day: President, PM and Bhutanese King pay tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War
He said the Russia-Bangladesh relations have been developing in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect.
"Trade and economic cooperation is gradually advancing, and perspective joint projects are being realised," said the Russian Prime Minister.
"I am convinced that active work between the govemments will contribute to strengthening the entire gamut of practical interaction. This fully corresponds with the interests of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of Bangladesh," he said.
Expose Pakistani Army’s March 25 atrocities before world community: Ambassador Imran
The Russian PM wished Sheikh Hasina, sound health, well-being and new achievements in her responsible work and to the friendly Bangladeshi people - happiness and prosperity.
Independence Day: Putin congratulates Bangladesh President, PM
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday congratulated Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of the nation's Independence Day
"Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of your country - the Independence Day," he said.
The Russia-Bangladesh relations have been traditionally developing in the spirit of friendship, Putin said.
Bhutan King and WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed visit Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery
"I am convinced that through mutual efforts, we will contribute to their further development for the benefit of our peoples and in the interests of stronger regional security and stability," said the Russian President.
"I wish you sound health and every success, and to all citizens of Bangladesh - peace and prosperity," reads the message.
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.
Bangladesh, China enjoy solid, profound political trust and fruitful practical cooperation: Xi Jinping
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.