Independence & National Day Observed in the Netherlands: A New Bangladesh on Rise
27 March 2017, The Hague: As a part of ceremonies to mark the 46th Independence and National Day in the Netherlands, a reception was arranged by the Embassy of Bangladesh in the Netherlands at the Bangladesh House in The Hague. Decorated in red and green, Bangladesh House enjoyed the presence of a large number of local dignitaries, diplomats, academics, scientists, judges, and a cross section of members of media, Bangladeshi diaspora in the Netherlands. Guests enjoyed an evening of Bangladeshi music, food, and a free flowing discussion on Think Bangladesh.
Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal and members of the Embassy greeted the guests in Bangladeshi hospitality. In his short address 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 has been further deepened following the visit of Hon’ble 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, Peter Potman, represented the Dutch Foreign Minister 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.
Red carpet was rolled out as a symbol of Bangladeshi hospitality and two sides of the entrance were adorned with colourful flowers and banner to introduce the guest with Beautiful Bangladesh. Guests appreciated the decoration of the place and many of them were seen taking photo with the giant flag of Bangladesh made of flowers. The guests did not forget to appreciate the taste of Bangladeshi food served at the reception.
Earlier on 26 March, the Embassy arranged ceremony at the Embassy premises where national flag was hoisted ceremonially and messages received from Hon’ble President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out. A discussion session on the significance of the Independence and National Day followed where the distinguished members of Bangladesh community took part.
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