Sonar Bangla- Golden Bengal Celebrates 48th Independence Day
H.E. Mr. Yun Young Lee, Ambassador of Korea and spouse, Mrs. Uma Rathore, spouse of the ambassador of Pakistan, H.E. Sheikh Mohammad Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh and spouse Dr. Dilruba Nasrin, H.E. Matthew Neuhaus, Ambassador of Australia and spouse and the Ambassador of Malaysia, H.E Mr. Ahmad Nazri Yusof. Photography by G. Buonamasssa.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in the Netherlands, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal cordially welcomed hundreds of guests to the Diplomat reception he organized at the Bangladesh House on 26 March 2019. The occasion celebrate the 48th anniversary of Bangladesh independence. Ambassador Belal paid homage to the father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The auspicious evening was filled with speeches offering congratulations to the government and people of Bangladesh. The event afforded many in attendance a chance to enjoy music, food, drinks as well as networking opportunities. One of the dignitaries in attendance was Ms. Reina Buijs, Director-General International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. Ms. Buijs congratulated Bangladesh and lauded the longstanding friendly relationship and collaboration between the two nations. In this regard, Buijs referred to the Delta Plan 2100.
Also present was Mr. Arjen Uijterlinde, Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of the Netherlands. In addition, there were scores of Ambassadors, local dignitaries, academics, the diaspora and many friends of Bangladesh were on hand to join in the festivities. The Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague issued the following remarks.
¨26 March 2019, The Hague: As part of ceremonies to observe the 48th Independence and National Day of Bangladesh in the Netherlands, a Diplomatic Reception was hosted by the Embassy of Bangladesh in the Netherlands at the Bangladesh House in The Hague. Decorated with traditional decorative items, posters, banners and green and red flowers, Bangladesh House enjoyed the presence of a large number of guests, comprised of local dignitaries, diplomats, academics, scientists, judges of the international courts, and a cross section of members of media, and Bangladeshi diaspora in the Netherlands. carpet was rolled out as a symbol of Bangladeshi hospitality and the entrance was adorned with colourful flowers. Guests enjoyed an evening of Bangladeshi music, food, and a discussion on ‘Think Bangladesh’.
At the outset, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal paid tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman whose courageous, dynamic and visionary leadership led Bangladesh to her independence in 1971. He also paid tribute to the three million martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the sake of the country. Ambassador Belal highlighted how Bangladesh has been sailing through prosperity since our independence in realizing the Father of the Nation’s dream, a “Sonar Bangla- Golden Bengal”- hunger-free, poverty-free and deprivation-free Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He further mentioned that as a nation, Bangladeshis are peace loving humane nation, who have the courage to give shelter to over one million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals Rohingyas on humanitarian ground. Ambassador Belal shared perspective on how Bangladesh is trying to deal with this humanitarian disaster under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina whom the world came to know as “Mother of Humanity”
He also thanked the Bangladeshi community living in the Netherlands for their contributions to strengthen the economic and commercial ties between the two friendly countries. He also requested them to further connect Bangladesh and the Netherlands through sharing Dutch innovation and creativity and their experience achieved in different sectors.
On behalf of Dutch Government, Ms. Reina Buijs, Director-General International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands delivered her remarks. Ms. Reina Buijs congratulated Bangladesh on this happy occasion and highly praised Bangladesh for her rapid economic and social transformation, especially in the last decade. She highlighted the areas of existing mutual cooperation and emphasized on implementation of Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, water management, agriculture, etc. as the areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and the Netherlands in the coming years. On behalf of the Dutch Government, Ms. Reina Buijs commended Bangladesh for her outstanding position towards humanity. She acknowledged with deep appreciation that Bangladesh provided shelter to millions of forcibly displaced Rohingyas. She assured that the Netherlands will stand with Bangladesh to resolve the crisis.
Patriotic songs were played in the background while documentaries showcasing “Beautiful Bangladesh” were screened throughout the program.
Earlier, in the morning of 26 March 2019, Embassy officials along with family members and members of Bangladesh community attended the program organized at the Embassy premises on the occasion of the 48th Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. They rendered national anthem following authentic tune followed by ceremonial flag hoisting and recitation of messages of Hon’ble President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs issued on the occasion of the 48th Independence Day and National day.¨
In conclusion, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal remarked:
¨On behalf of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and all the Bangladeshis living in the Netherlands and on my own behalf, I would like to convey our sincere greetings and very best wishes for the long life and good health of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, Her Majesty Queen Máxima and for His Excellency Prime Minister Mark Rutte. I would also like to express our best wishes for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the people of the Netherlands. Long live Bangladesh-Netherlands friendship¨
The celebration of the 48th anniversary of Bangladesh independence has been an evening full of splendour.
