Bangladesh Embassy in Ankara celebrates Independence Day

The Bangladesh Embassy in Ankara celebrated the Independence and National Day on its premises on Thursday.

At the start of the programme, the national flag was hoisted under the leadership of Ambassador M Amanul Haque in the presence of the embassy’s officials and staff, and floral wreaths were laid in memory of all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Great Liberation War.

The program began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a special prayer seeking eternal peace for the souls of the martyrs of the Liberation War and continued peace, progress and prosperity for the country and the nation.

Messages issued by the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out. A documentary on Independence Day, sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was also screened.

A discussion session was later held highlighting the significance and importance of the day. Speaking at the discussion, the Embassy’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General Mohammad Iftekur Rahman expressed his belief that, inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War and the light of independence that emerged on this day in 1971, all would contribute from their respective positions to move Bangladesh further towards glory and prosperity.

In his speech, the Ambassador respectfully remembered the contributions of the brave freedom fighters and the women who suffered atrocities during the Liberation War. He said the main goal of independence was to eliminate disparities in economic, social and political spheres and to ensure the legitimate rights and economic emancipation of the people. He mentioned that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman introduced the foreign policy of “Bangladesh First,” and under this policy, he established friendly relations with neighbouring and other countries in the international arena based on mutual respect and mutual interests.

He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh is continuing the realistic and balanced foreign policy introduced by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and is working globally to promote peace, cooperation and sustainable development.

The Ambassador concluded his speech by extending heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all on the occasion of the Great Independence and National Day and announced the conclusion of the program.