Diplomatic Desk:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan praised the activities of the Bangladesh-Algeria Business Forum and said that regular discussions and communication between Dhaka and Algiers are necessary to further expand trade, investment, economy, culture and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries. He said that there is a huge opportunity for the two countries, which believe in peaceful coexistence, to increase mutual cooperation.
He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the country’s 64th National Independence Day celebration organized by the Algerian Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday (July 5, 2026).
The minister said that Algeria is a very important country in the international arena due to its energy resources and regional geopolitical position. The country has made an important contribution to Europe’s energy security. He referred to Algiers, located on the shores of the Mediterranean, as one of the most beautiful ‘White Cities’ in the world and emphasized the need to increase communication and mutual visits between the people of Bangladesh and Algeria.
Zahir Uddin Swapan said that there are many similarities in the history of the independence struggles of Algeria and Bangladesh. The sacrifices of the heroic martyrs of both countries for independence will be a source of inspiration for the coming generations.
In his welcome speech at the event, Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdelwahab Saidani said that July 5 is a glorious day in the history of Algeria. The country achieved independence in 1962, ending 132 years of colonial rule. He said that the day is also celebrated as ‘Youth Day’ in Algeria in recognition of the outstanding contribution of the youth in the independence struggle.
Referring to the theme of ‘The Legacy of Generations’, the ambassador said that this year’s event carries a message to commemorate the sacrifices of our predecessors as well as to inspire the new generation to build a prosperous, sovereign and progressive Algeria. He said that the Algerian independence struggle is considered a symbol of the struggle for freedom, justice, dignity and self-determination around the world.
Ambassador Saidani said that the Algerian revolution has inspired anti-colonial movements in Africa and various regions of the world. Currently, the country’s foreign policy is based on the right to self-determination, non-alignment, anti-colonialism, respect for the sovereignty of states, the peaceful resolution of disputes and support for just claims, including Palestine and Western Sahara.
He also said that Algeria plays an important role in regional and global stability as a bridge between the Mediterranean and the Sahel regions. At the same time, the country is also making a significant contribution to global energy security by supplying a significant portion of Europe’s gas imports.
Calling on Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, the ambassador said that Algeria has vast investment and business opportunities in various promising sectors including pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, energy, and information technology. He praised the role of the Bangladesh-Algeria Business Forum and said that the forum is further strengthening trade and investment relations between the two countries through business delegation exchanges, networking, and participation in trade fairs.
The ambassador said that the historical experience of sacrifice for independence and sovereignty has bound Bangladesh and Algeria in a special bond. He reminded that Algeria was the first Arab country to recognize independent Bangladesh in 1971. On the basis of that historical relationship, the friendship and economic cooperation between the two countries is currently being further expanded.
Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. The event organized by Abdelwahab Saidani was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of various organizations, members of the Bangladesh-Algeria Business Forum, journalists, representatives of civil society, cultural figures, freedom fighters, religious leaders, military and civilian officials, Algerian citizens and distinguished guests.
At the end of the event, deep respect was paid to the sacrifices of the martyrs of the two countries and the determination to further strengthen Bangladesh-Algeria friendship and expand bilateral cooperation was reiterated.
