Independence Day, National Day and 50 years of Bangladesh-Australia ties were celebrated in Canberra with the illumination of an iconic structure with the colours of the Bangladesh national flag.

The National Carillon, a large carillon situated on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin, was illuminated with red and green, according to the Bangladesh High Commission Sunday.

A formal reception was held which started with playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and Australia by the Royal Military band.

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Representatives from the Australian Federal Parliament, ACT legislature, political leaders, heads of diplomatic missions and government officials from the Australian federal departments and local elites were present.

Offering tributes to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, martyrs of the liberation war and the valiant freedom fighters and women for their highest sacrifice, Bangladesh High Commissioner Sufiur Rahman recalled Australian heroes for their contribution to the liberation war.

He also thanked Australia for its bipartisan support for the cause of the war.

The high commissioner highlighted the recent growing engagement between Bangladesh and Australia in trade, investment, people-to-people contact and focused on future potential areas for further collaboration.

He elaborated Bangladesh's principled stand on universally agreed principles and rules-based global order as an antidote to avoiding regional conflicts and crises.

A short video was displayed on the excerpts of messages issued by the Australian Prime Minister and Prime Minister of Bangladesh on the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties.

Video clips were also screened on the history, cultural heritage, and development of Bangladesh during the reception.

Dances were performed with patriotic songs to add colour to the festivity.

The high commissioner hoisted the national flag at the chancery premises.

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The messages of the president, prime minister and other dignitaries were read out.

A special prayer was also offered for the salvation of the departed souls of Bangabandhu and his family members, martyrs of the liberation war, as well as for a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Bangladesh.