The Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in Bangladesh hosted a grand diplomatic reception in Dhaka on Saturday (05 July, 2025) to mark the 63rd National Independence Day of Algeria, commemorating the country’s historic liberation from colonial rule on 5 July 1962.
The event was graced by Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.), Hon’ble Adviser for Home Affairs and Agriculture in the Interim Government of Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest.
In his speech, the Chief Guest stated, “It is a great honor for me to be here today on the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. On behalf of the Government of Bangladesh, and particularly from the Ministry of Home and Agriculture, I extend our heartfelt congratulations and warm wishes to the people and government of Algeria.”
He added, “This day is a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of the Algerian people and their historic struggle for freedom. Bangladesh, too, has a long history of fighting for its independence. We deeply resonate with Algeria’s journey and share sincere respect for its legacy of resilience and self-determination.”
Highlighting the historical ties, he said, “Bangladesh and Algeria enjoy long-standing and cordial relations rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and solidarity. Algeria was among the first Arab nations to recognize Bangladesh in 1971. Over the years, our two countries have stood by each other on many global platforms, advocating for peace, justice, and equitable development.”
He further noted, “The reopening of the Algerian Embassy in Dhaka in 2020 marked a renewed chapter in our bilateral engagement, creating fresh opportunities for cooperation and friendship.”
Touching on trade and economic opportunities, the Adviser stated, “Bangladesh and Algeria have enormous potential to enhance bilateral trade. Algeria can import more pharmaceuticals, ceramics, leather goods, ready-made garments, and agro-products from Bangladesh. At the same time, Bangladesh may also explore potential import items from Algeria.”
He emphasized the importance of strengthening business-to-business engagement and institutional linkages between the two countries’ chambers of commerce to unlock these untapped opportunities.
In his keynote address, H.E. Mr. Abdelouahab Saidani, Ambassador of Algeria to Bangladesh, recalled the profound historical significance of the day. He said that the 5th of July is not merely a date but a symbol of triumph, dignity, and national sovereignty, marking the end of 132 years of colonial rule and the victory of the Algerian people’s will. The Ambassador also noted that this day is celebrated as Algerian Youth Day, to honor the role of young people both in the independence movement and in building the nation’s future.
The Ambassador paid tribute to the 1.5 million martyrs who sacrificed their lives during Algeria’s War of Liberation between 1954 and 1962. He emphasized that the struggle was not fought by a select few but was a united, nationwide resistance movement involving youth, women, and workers from all walks of life. It was, he said, not only a political victory but a social and moral revolution.
He also highlighted Algeria’s dual strategy of armed resistance and diplomatic outreach, which culminated in the Evian Accords of March 1962 and the overwhelming vote for independence in the 1 July referendum. The official declaration of independence on 5 July 1962 marked Algeria’s emergence as a sovereign nation and a beacon of hope for oppressed people around the world.
Since gaining independence, Algeria has made remarkable strides in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial development. The removal of the 51/49 ownership restriction under the 2020 Finance Law, and the adoption of Law No. 22-18, have significantly opened up opportunities for foreign investment. In 2024, Algeria witnessed $8.6 billion in foreign direct investment, reflecting growing global confidence in its economic trajectory.
In the context of bilateral ties, Ambassador Saidani proudly noted that Algeria was the first Arab country to recognize Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, standing firmly beside Bangladesh during its critical early years. Today, both nations share a deepening partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared aspirations. He pointed to the formation of the Algeria-Bangladesh Business Forum, the growing exchange of delegations, and upcoming high-level visits as key indicators of the two countries’ evolving collaboration across diverse sectors.
Concluding his remarks, the Ambassador expressed optimism for the future of Algeria-Bangladesh relations and reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to shared progress, peace, and global solidarity.
“Long live Algeria. Long live Bangladesh. Long live Algeria-Bangladesh friendship,” he declared.
Also present at the event were Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad Mahmud, Director General of Bangladesh Ansar-VDP Force, SGP, BAM, NDU, AFWC, PSC and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs BM Jamal Hossain, President Business Forum Algeria Bangladesh, Mr Nurul Mostafa, Editor of Business in Bangladesh Engr. Md. Shajibul-Al-Rajib, diplomats, business leaders, journalists, academicians and dignitaries.
