The celebration started with hoisting the national flag at the Embassy premises in early morning.
In the evening, the Ambassador hosted a Reception at Hague Marriott Hotel. The former Dutch Prime Minister (presently Minister of State) HE Jan Peter Balkenende graced the Reception as the guest of honour.
Dutch politicians, academics, entrepreneurs, NGO representatives, government officials, ambassadors, expat Bangladeshi professionals joined the event. The programme comemnced with Bangladesh and Netherlands national anthems.
Bangladesh Ambassador recalled the contribution of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman; and shared how over the five decades, Bangladesh made notable strides thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In positioning Bangladesh with her value-driven policies, how Bangladesh firmly holds on to democracy, pluralism and secularism. He further said that Bangladesh-Netherlands ties is premsied also on a vision of global well-being premised on shared prosperity – be in sustainable development, tackling climate change or advancing circularity.
HE Jan Peter Balkenende reflected on Bangladesh’s remarkable development. He acclaimed how Bangladesh is getting prosperous under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
A microcosm of Bangladesh was presented through traditional decorations, particularly handmade miniature of traditional boats from Bangladesh which attracted many guests. Audio-visuals on Bangladesh’s history, culture, tourism, tradition, development and potential were screened.
Two prominent contemporary dancers from Bangladesh, Alif and Maati Siddiqui, enthralled the audience with their traditional Bangladeshi dance performances. The guests enjoyed authentic Bangladeshi cuisine and sweets afterwards.