UsaNewsOnline.Com Desk, Bangladesh High Commission in Singapore celebrated the 48th Independence and National Day of Bangladesh in a befitting manner and with due fervor on 26 March 2018. The day of the programme started with the hoisting of the national flag and playing of national anthem at the chancery premises in the morning. Special prayers/munajat was offered seeking salvation of the martyrs of the liberation war and for the peace and prosperity of the country. Messages from the Hon’ble President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out for the audience.

The High Commissioner in his brief speech, paid homage to the valiant freedom fighters and millions of martyrs, who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War. He highlighted the great contribution of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the independence of Bangladesh. The High Commissioner urged all expatriate Bangladeshis, inspired by patriotism and the true spirit of the independence of Bangladesh, to contribute to the development of the country.

In the evening, H.E. Mr. Md. Mustafizur Rahman, High Commissioner and his lady wife hosted a reception to mark the 48th Independence and National Day of Bangladesh in the ball room of prestigious Shangri La Hotel. Cabinet Ministers of both the governments, Ambassadors, diplomats, high government officials, businessmen, eminent journalists and members of the Bangladeshi community attended the reception. Mr. Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information attended the Reception as Guest of Honour and H.E. Mr. Abul Maal A Muhith, Hon’ble Finance Minister, H..E. Mr. A H M Mustafa Kamal, Hon’ble Minister of Planning and 02 MPs of Singapore Parliament were present as Special Guests.

High Commissioner delivered a short speech at the reception. In his speech, the High Commissioner mentioned the excellent bilateral relations that exist between the two countries and hoped that it would be further strengthened in the coming days.

Referring to the visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh to Singapore this month, he mentioned that through this visit, the bilateral relations between the two countries have reached to a new height. He also mentioned the the Prime Minister sought support from Singapore in implementing projects under “Vision 2021” and “Vision 2041” to transform the country into a developed country. The High Commissioner urged the Singapore businessmen and investors to take the advantage of good business opportunities in Bangladesh. The Guest of Honour in his speech reiterated his government’s commitment in moving forward in further strengthening the existing relations between the two countries.

To mark the occasion, the High Commission arranged publication of a 2-page Special Supplement in the illustrated daily “The Straits Times”. It also published 2018 edition of the annual magazine “Bangladesh Beckons” on this occasion. Both the publications received appreciation from the guests.