Business in Bangladesh Editor Shajibul-Al-Rajib expressed his sincere gratitude to Algerian Ambassador Dr. Abdelwahab Saidani and his wife Mrs. Mariam Saidani for the opportunity to attend the colorful reception organized to mark the 71st anniversary of Algeria’s glorious Liberation War. He said that the cordial hospitality of the Ambassador and the event organized in a fraternal atmosphere further strengthened the historical bonds between the two countries.
The event, held at Le Meridien Hotel in Dhaka, commemorated with respect the epic struggle for Algerian independence that began on November 1, 1954. The event, which began with the rendition of the national anthems, saw the hoisting of the flags of Algeria and Bangladesh, followed by a minute’s silence in memory of the Algerian martyrs. Then, Alhaj Hafez Qari Maulana Rafiq Ahmed Usmani recited the Holy Quran, and Sara Ines Saidani recited Al-Fatiha. Maulana Anwarul Haque, Khatib, Gulshan Jame Masjid, led a special prayer for peace, stability and prosperity.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Dr. Abdelwahab Saidani said that the Liberation War of November 1, 1954, was not just a political movement—it was a historic struggle for human dignity, freedom and justice. He recalled with deep respect the sacrifice of 1.5 million martyrs and said that their blood is the source of the moral strength of today’s Algeria. Referring to this year’s theme titled “Message to Generations”, the Ambassador called on the youth to embrace the values of unity, courage and sacrifice. He also recalled that Algeria was the first Arab country to recognize Bangladesh—which made the relations between the two countries more historic.
The chief guest of the event was Government Advisor Md. Fauzul Kabir Khan, who was presented with the traditional Algerian dress ‘Barnus’ by the ambassador, in his speech referred to the Algerian freedom struggle as one of the heroic stories of modern history. He said that the power of unity, patriotism and sacrifice has led Algeria to the path of independence—which is also reflected in the history of Bangladesh’s independence. He called for further cooperation between the two countries in the trade, energy, shipping, education and cultural sectors.
At the event, the ambassador’s daughter Ileena Saidani highlighted the significance of the revolution from the perspective of the younger generation. Special guest Engineer M. A. Rashid delivered a speech and Hafez Maulana Arif Bin Kamal recited a touching poem in memory of the martyrs. A documentary exhibition titled “The Algerian Revolution and the New Algeria” highlighted the history of the revolution and the progress of the new Algeria. At the end of the event, the atmosphere became more lively with cake cutting, cultural performances, music by Bangladesh Ansar-VDP and mutual exchange of views between the guests.
Business in Bangladesh Editor Shajibul-Al-Rajib, congratulated Ambassador Saidani and said that Algeria’s heroic struggle is an eternal symbol of human liberation. He emphasized the need to further expand political, economic, educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
At the event, he held cordial exchanges with several distinguished diplomats, including Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider, Brunei Darussalam High Commissioner Haji Haris bin Haji Osman, Maldives High Commissioner Shuneen Rashid, Information and Broadcasting Ministry Secretary Mahbooba Farzana, and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Dr. Abdullah Jaffer H. Bin Abiah. During these discussions, views were exchanged on regional cooperation, development and strengthening diplomatic ties.
