Spanish President Pedro Sanchez has praised Bangladesh's socio-economic development achieved under the far-sighted leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He said Spanish entrepreneurs and investors are showing increasing interest in expanding their presence in Bangladesh. In a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-Spain diplomatic relations, the Spanish President also appreciated Bangladesh’s responsible, active and visible role in the regional and international arena including the United Nations. He appreciated Bangladesh's unwavering support and commitment to the multilateral world policy enshrined in the joint declaration “Together for a Reinforced Multilateralism” adopted in Madrid in 2020 on the occasion of the 75th founding anniversary of the United Nations. Also read:Bangladesh condemns assassination of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen The Spanish President said the bilateral relations between the two countries have been strengthened and expanded while Spain is currently the fourth largest export destination for Bangladesh, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Madrid. He also said Spain would work closely with Bangladesh as a close partner to increase the scope and diversify the trade and to explore the immense potential of bilateral cooperation in various fields. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also sent a message to the President of Spain on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations. In her message, the Prime Minister recalled his bilateral meeting with the Spanish President on the sidelines of the COP 25 conference in Madrid in 2019 and hoped that mutual cooperation in the fields of industry, technological support, digital connectivity, power and energy, logistics and transport infrastructure development, climate change, culture and research will be further expanded in the future. She also sought increasing Spanish investment in various potential sectors of Bangladesh. Also read:Momen pays tribute to Sheikh Khalifa in UAE In the message, the Prime Minister invited the President of Spain to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. The two friendly countries are celebrating the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations this year through various programmes.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said his Bangladesh visit will be an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh’s remarkable economic and developmental strides under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visionary leadership. His visit will also be an occasion to commit India’s abiding support for these achievements.  "My visit will not only be an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh’s remarkable economic and developmental strides under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visionary leadership, but also to commit India’s abiding support for these achievements," Modi said adding that he will also express India’s support and solidarity for Bangladesh's fight against Covid-19. In a pre-departure statement, Modi said he will be having "substantive discussions" with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following their very productive virtual meeting in December last year. Also read: India committed to deepening ties with Bangladesh: Modi Modi is scheduled to arrive here on Friday morning on a two-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.   "I am happy that my first foreign visit after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic will be to our friendly neighbouring country, with which India shares deep cultural, linguistic and people-to-people ties," he said. The Indian Prime Minister said he looks forward to his participation at the National Day celebrations on Friday, which will also commemorate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.   "Bangabandhu was one of the tallest leaders of the last century, whose life and ideals continue to inspire millions," he said.  Also read: Modi to bring 12 lakh more vaccine doses as gift for Bangladesh Modi said he looks forward to visiting Bangabandhu’s Samadhi in Tungipara to pay my respects to his memory. He will be offering prayers to Goddess Kali at the ancient Jashoreshwari Kali Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in the Puranic tradition, according to the Press Information Bureau of India. "I am particularly looking forward to my interaction with representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Sri Sri Harichandra Thakur ji disseminated his pious message," Modi said. He will meet President Abdul Hamid, and will have interactions with other Bangladeshi dignitaries. The Indian Prime Minister said Bangabandhu's vision continues to light the Bangladesh-India friendship. "I had the privilege of honouring his memory during my previous Bangladesh visit," he said. Also read: Delhi to bolster defence ties with Dhaka during Modi's visit Modi said he will again pay homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, alongside Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during the ongoing Mujib Borsho celebrations. Earlier, he said Bangabandhu was a champion of human rights and freedom, and is a hero to Indians as well. He also said the legacy and inspiration of Bangabandhu has made the heritage of both countries more comprehensive and deep-rooted, and that the path shown by Bangabandhu has laid a strong foundation for the partnership, progress and prosperity of both countries over the last decade.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday said Bangladesh has undergone an “impressive development and is today a vibrant democracy” with high economic growth rates. “At the same time, Bangladesh has succeeded in clearly reducing poverty in the country using innovative development policy strategies,” he said in a message sent to President Abdul Hamid. Also read: French senator lauds Bangladesh’s progress; recalls Bangabandhu Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen read out the message at a programme held at the National Parade Ground on Tuesday, marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence. The German President said the world very much values Bangladesh’s peaceful foreign policy and its generous humanitarian engagement, particularly when it comes to taking in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya who have fled their homes. Also read: India praises Hasina's statesmanship, Bangladesh’s "miraculous” progress “The global challenges of our time, particularly the current pandemic situation and climate change, can only be tackled if we work together. Our many years of friendly relations provide a very firm basis for such cooperation,” the message reads. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence, he conveyed to his Bangladesh counterpart and the people of Bangladesh his sincere congratulations. “I wish you strength and every success for the tasks that lie ahead.” Also read: Bangladesh’s importance in S Asia growing: US

Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) commemorated Bangabandhu’s birth centenary by publishing two volumes of a “Readings in Bangladesh Development” on Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said Bangladesh is gaining more US and global attention due to its robust economic growth, stability and geopolitical position.