Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur organized a diplomatic reception on 16 April 2025 to celebrate the 54th Anniversary of the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. Held on in a five-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur, the reception was attended by over 400 guests including Ministerial and other high-level dignitaries of Malaysian Government, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and other diplomats based in Kuala Lumpur, representatives of the United Nations and other International Organizations, business and chamber leaders, academics, journalists, members of the civil society and Bangladesh community leaders.
On behalf of the Malaysian Government, Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development of Malaysia, graced the reception as the Guest of Honour. In addition, the Governor of Melaka and the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur attended as special guests. Dato’ Sri Haja Nancy Shukri offered a prayer speech wishing the Government and the people of Bangladesh success and prosperity.
The dignitaries and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps along with the Heads of the Missions joined the High Commissioner and his wife Mrs. Pandora Chowdhury in the cake-cutting ceremony and the official photo session.
In his speech, the High Commissioner paid deep tribute to the memory of all the martyrs of the great Liberation War of 1971 and the July-August Uprising of 2024. Recalling the contribution and sacrifice of the martyrs he called upon all Bangladeshis to work together for realization of a just, inclusive and democratic Bangladesh.
The High Commissioner recalled with profound gratitude the official recognition of Bangladesh’s independence by Malaysia on 31 January 1972, as the first country in Southeast Asia. ‘Bangladesh and Malaysia have excellent bilateral relations, based on mutual trust, shared values and historical ties, which have grown over the years through bilateral cooperation in various fields including trade and commerce, investment, economic and technical assistance, education, culture, energy, tourism and human resource development’, he added.
The High Commissioner also recalled the historic visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Anwar Ibrahim to Bangladesh as the first head of Government after the swearing-in of the interim Government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, which has further fortified the bilateral ties between the two countries. He expressed his hope that the Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus would soon pay a return visit to Malaysia.
The High Commissioner acknowledged Malaysia’s strong support in regional and international forums for a speedy resolution of the Rohingya crisis. Referring to the potential of Bangladesh as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia, the High Commissioner sought the valuable support of the ASEAN members in realizing Bangladesh’s aspiration to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
The reception featured a colourful cultural performance by expatriate Bangladeshi artists. Traditional artifacts, GI products, exportables and handicrafts were displayed in the ‘Bangladesh Corner’ at the venue which was tastefully decorated with the traditional artefacts and motifs. In addition, publications on July-August Uprising, culture, economy, tourism etc. were on display in the Bangladesh Corner, which drew special attention of the guests.
In addition, documentaries on Bangladesh’s tourism, cultural heritage, investment and economic potential were screened at the event.
Later, the guests were served with traditional Bangladeshi food including famous Bangladeshi Kachchi Biryani and Roshogollah. The stall of the Kachchi Biryani drew a huge crowd.
The invited guests were presented with gift items made of Jamdani and jute.
It is worth noting that the reception was organized on 16th April since this year Bangladesh’s Independence Day (March 26) coincided with holy Ramadan.
