Pictured Ambassador H.E Sheikh Mohammed Belal and spouse Dr Dilruba Nasrin.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
In observance of the 46th Anniversary of Independence and National Day, the Bangladesh Embassy in the Netherlands hosted a reception at Bangladesh House on 27 March 2017. The red carpet was rolled out as a symbol of Bangladeshi hospitality, and two sides of the entrance were adorned with colourful flowers and banners to introduce the guests to Beautiful Bangladesh. Guests appreciated the decoration of the place, and many of them were seen taking pictures with the giant flag of Bangladesh made of flowers.
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Ambassador H.E Sheikh Mohammed Belal and spouse Dr Dilruba Nasrin welcomed the guests. The reception was attended by members of the International Judiciary, Dutch civil servants, academics, friends of Bangladesh, expatriate Bangladeshis, diplomats and Ambassadors, among them ambassadors from Yemen, Kazakhstan, Costa Rica, Slovakia. The official part of the reception included the playing of national anthems of the Netherlands and Bangladesh. After warmly welcoming his guests, Ambassador Belal delivered an address, in part this is what he said:
Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal paid profound tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman whose dynamic and visionary leadership led Bangladesh to her independence in 1971. He also recalled the supreme sacrifices made by the bravest sons and daughters of our soil to win the independence. Terming Bangladesh as a development surprise, Ambassador Belal highlighted the recent socio-economic achievements of the country.
“Bangladesh is truly enjoying an exciting time in terms of her development journey”, Ambassador Belal added and the urged the Dutch businesses to be a part of it. He also congratulated the Bangladeshi diaspora living in the Netherlands for their contributions in promoting economic and commercial relations between the two friendly countries. Ambassador mentioned that Bangladesh and the Netherlands are enjoying excellent bilateral relations which have been further deepened following the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the Netherlands at the invitation of Dutch Prime Minister.
The Director of Asia and Oceania of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Peter Potman, represented the Dutch Foreign Minister Mr Bert Koenders in the event. Peter Potman, in his speech, highly appreciated Bangladesh’s socio-economic development in the recent times and reassured continued Dutch support for Bangladesh’s development in the coming years. He echoed Ambassador Belal in recommending Bangladesh as a trade and investment destination of the Netherlands.
Guests enjoyed an evening of Bangladeshi hospitality, music, food, and networking.
