The Embassy of Bangladesh in Qatar hosted a grand reception to celebrate the 55th Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. The event took place at the Sheraton Hotel and gathered a distinguished crowd of diplomats, officials, and community members.
Among the high-profile attendees were Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanim, Director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, and Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Qatar Mohammed Nazrul Islam.
The evening began with a formal ceremony and a symbolic cake-cutting to commemorate Bangladesh’s journey since its independence in 1971. The event highlighted the warmth and strength of the growing Bangladesh-Qatar relations, a theme repeated throughout the ambassador’s speech.
Ambassador Nazrul Islam addressed the audience with optimism and pride. He emphasized that Bangladesh-Qatar relations have deepened in recent years. He credited the momentum to the visit of the Amir to Bangladesh last year. This visit significantly enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors.
He also noted the shared commitments of the two countries on pressing global issues, including climate change, counterterrorism, education, and health. This collaboration is especially apparent under the UN platform. The ambassador praised Qatar’s rapid development under the leadership of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He called it a model in diplomacy, peace, and growth.
The ambassador acknowledged the vital role of over 425,000 Bangladeshi expatriates living and working in Qatar. He described them as a bridge between the two nations, contributing to Qatar’s progress while supporting their homeland.
Looking ahead, the ambassador revealed that Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, will visit Qatar within two weeks. He shared that two rounds of Foreign Office consultations have already taken place in the past four years. Key bilateral agreements in defense, energy, and culture are paving the way for future collaborations. This includes support for the Qatari military.
The ambassador stated that under the caretaker government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Yunus, Bangladesh has regained political stability. The nation is advancing steadily through investments in technology, education, and infrastructure.
He concluded his speech by expressing solidarity with Palestine. He condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and called for the immediate withdrawal of occupying forces. His remarks drew attention to Bangladesh’s ongoing commitment to international justice and human rights.
As the evening came to a close, the celebration of Bangladesh-Qatar relations stood out as the central message. The event reflected the deep ties and mutual aspirations between the two nations. It set the tone for a stronger and more collaborative future.
