ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Bangladesh hosted a reception Thursday night to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the independence and national day of Bangladesh.

High Commissioner of Bangladesh Ruhul Alam Siddique greeted federal ministers, ambassadors, high commissioners and members of service corps and close friends.

Mr Siddique and chief guest at the event, Minister for States and Frontier Regions Senator Mohammad Talha Mahmood delivered the opening remarks. The celebrations also marked diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The event provided an opportunity for everyone to expand connections, talk about cultural traditions and strengthen bilateral ties.

Mr Siddique, in his opening remarks, said celebrations of the independence of Bangladesh during the last couple of years were especially significant, marking three major occasions.

“We celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. We celebrated the golden jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh and we celebrated the confirmation of Bangladesh’s graduation from a least developed country to a developing country,” he added.

“Bangladesh and Pakistan enjoyed a unique relationship based on shared history and commonality of faith and culture. The relationship was rooted in the common desire for realising the goals of regional peace, stability and socio-economic progress of the peoples of the two countries. I am happy to share that during FY of 2021-22, the bilateral trade between the two countries has grown over 45pc. Although, this trend has slowed during this fiscal year ending this June, due to the global economic downturn. I am hopeful that it will soon be restored to its upward trend. This has been an encouraging development and I hope that this trend in the bilateral trade between the two countries will continue in the days ahead,” he added.

In his speech, Mr Mahmood said cultures, history and geographic proximity was instrumental in shaping ties.

“We are committed towards taking our cordial relations to new heights. We must continue to work together in trade, cultural exchanges and people to people contacts,” he said.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2023