Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has expressed hope that Bangladesh's friendly relations with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries will deepen further in the coming days.

 “The roots of our relationship with ASEAN countries run deep—built on shared history, heritage, culture, and religious values. There has been longstanding people-to-people contact and bonding among our nations,” he said while speaking at an event marking ASEAN Day at the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday morning.

Highlighting the potential for cooperation, he said ASEAN presents golden opportunities in tourism, investment, trade, and employment.

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“We must capture these opportunities with the right initiatives,” the adviser  added.

The event was also addressed by Brunei’s High Commissioner to Dhaka Haji Haris bin Othman, and Malaysian High Commissioner Shuhada Othman.

The ASEAN Dhaka Committee, comprising the Heads of Mission of ASEAN member
states accredited to Bangladesh, held its 58th ASEAN Day celebration in
Dhaka, commemorating more than five decades of partnership, unity, and progress within Southeast Asia and beyond.

Due to unavoidable circumstances, this year’s ASEAN Day event in Dhaka was held one day prior to the official anniversary.

The commemoration held under the ASEAN Day 2025 theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” highlighted ASEAN’s enduring commitment to ensuring broad-based growth, equity, and lasting development partnerships.

The ceremony was joined by members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of international organisations, leaders of the business community, and non governmental organisations.

ASEAN Working Group members, Heads of Mission, and staff of the ASEAN Missions also joined.

Formal proceedings began with the ASEAN flag ceremony, symbolising solidarity and the unity of the ten member countries.

The formal segment concluded with a group photo session and a showcase of the “ASEAN Flavours,” celebrating the diverse culinary heritage of the region.

Since its founding in 1967, ASEAN has made remarkable strides in fostering peace, stability, and prosperity throughout Southeast Asia.

The adoption of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” as the central theme for 2025, along with the launch of the ASEAN
Community Vision 2045, highlights the Association’s determination to ensure all
peoples of ASEAN are included in and benefit from collective progress, while preserving the environment for future generations.

The celebrations in Dhaka highlighted the importance of strengthening ASEAN’s
collaboration and friendship with partners such as Bangladesh, offering a chance to
reflect on shared achievements, cultural vibrancy, and future prospects aspirations.

ASEAN was established on August 8, 1967 to promote economic growth, social progress, cultural development, and regional peace and stability among Southeast Asian countries.