Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo observed the Golden Jubilee of Independence

Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo observed the Independence and Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh at the High Commission today (Friday, 26 March 2021) with due fervor and solemnity, also attaching special importance to the celebration of the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.. The program was inaugurated by High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka H. E. Mr. Tareq Md Ariful Islam.Due to the prevailing pandemic situation, the observance took place in an in-house setting following the Sri Lankan government’s health guidelines. All officials of the High Commission attended the programme. 

The celebration began with ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag at the Chancery premises. It was followed by the placing of floral wreath at the portrait of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The observance of 1-minute silence as a mark of respect to the memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the martyred freedom fighters which was followed by recitation from the holy Quran and offering of special prayer seeking divine blessings for the salvation of the departed souls of the Father of the Nation and the martyred freedom fights and for continued peace and prosperity of the country. The video message of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh was screened. The messages on the occasion given by the Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh were read out by Deputy High Commissioner Hazrat Ali Khan, Defence Adviser Commodore Md Shafiul Bari, High Commission’s officials Mr. Abul Bashar and Mr. Kasun Akalanka

Subsequently, a discussion meeting was held on the significance of the Independence and Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh. The discussants paid homage to the architect of independent of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, martyred freedom fighters, war-wounded freedom fighters, heroic women who lost their dignity during the war, the four national leaders, foreign friends and others who contributed to our independence. They expressed their determination to work relentlessly under the pragmatic leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for realization of her ‘Vision 2021’ and ‘Vision 2041’. The speakers also reflected on the history of our independence, our development journey and socio-economic advancements of the country at the golden juncture of the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh. Among others, Sri Lankan young generation’s representative Ms. Sayuri Jayawardena participated in the discussion.

In his remarks, the High Commissioner paid rich tribute to all who contributed to the independence of Bangladesh. Referring to Bangladesh’s credential as a ‘role model’ of development, he called upon all to work together under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to realize the vision of the Father of the Nation to turn Bangladesh into a ‘Golden Bengal’. 

A cultural programme featuring recitation of poems and songs on the Liberation War rendered by the officials of the High Commission. Among others High Commission’s officials Ms. Mahmuda Begum, Mr. Abul Bashar, Mr. Md Faruk Hossain, Mr. Md. Sheikh Samad participated in the cultural segment. Screening documentaries on the War of Liberation also took place. On the occasion, the Special Supplements focusing the Independence &National Day and Golden Jubilee of Independence of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh; Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were published in the Sri Lankan newspapers - The Daily Mirror, The Daily FT and the online news portal The Colombo Times.