The Embassy of Algeria in Bangladesh celebrated the 71st anniversary of Algeria’s glorious Liberation War that began on November 1, 1954, with a dignified ceremony at Le Meridien Hotel in Dhaka. The ceremony, organized with respect for independence, human dignity and national spirit, was attended by high-ranking government and military officials, scholars, civil society representatives, business leaders, university teachers, researchers, cultural figures and top journalists from the media.
At the beginning of the ceremony, the national anthems of Algeria and Bangladesh were played by the Bangladesh Ansar and VDP teams. Then a minute of silence was observed in memory of the martyrs of Algeria. The Holy Quran was recited by Alhaj Hafez Qari Maulana Rafiq Ahmed Usmani and Al-Fatiha was recited by Sara Ines Saidani. Maulana Anwarul Haque, the Khatib of Gulshan Jame Mosque, led the prayer for peace, stability and prosperity.
In his keynote speech, Algerian Ambassador Dr. Abdelwahab Saidani highlighted the history and spirit of the Liberation War and said that the Algerian Revolution of November 1, 1954, was an eternal beacon of freedom, dignity and justice. He mentioned that this revolution was not just a political movement; it was a historic struggle for human liberation and justice. Remembering with respect the sacrifice of 1.5 million martyrs, the Ambassador said that their bloodshed is still the moral strength of Algeria. Mentioning this year’s theme “Message to Generations”, he called on the youth to embrace the values of unity, courage and sacrifice. He said that Algeria was the first Arab country to recognize Bangladesh – which makes the friendship between the two countries more historic.
Chief guest of the event and government advisor Md. The Ambassador presented the traditional Algerian dress ‘Burnus’ to Md. Fauzul Kabir Khan. In his speech, Md. Fauzul Kabir Khan referred to the Algerian Liberation War as one of the most heroic and victorious struggles in modern history. He said that unity, patriotism and sacrifice led Algeria to the path of victory – which is also reflected in the history of Bangladesh’s independence. He highlighted the need to further enhance cooperation in the trade, energy, shipping, education and culture sectors and said that the relations between the two countries will be stronger on the basis of friendship, brotherhood and common dreams.
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 of Algeria. The documentary titled “The Algerian Revolution and the New Algeria” showcased the history of the revolution and the country’s new progress.
At the end of the program, the event became more lively with cake cutting, cultural performances, music by Bangladesh Ansar and VDP teams, and exchange of views among the guests. The embassy said that it is their commitment to preserve the memory of Algeria’s glorious revolution and to further strengthen Bangladesh-Algeria friendship in the political, economic, educational and cultural fields.
