NEW YORK, Mar 28 (V7N) – The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations marked the 55th Independence and National Day with a series of high-profile events in New York, highlighting the nation’s journey from a war-torn economy to a leader in multilateral diplomacy.

The celebrations, held on Friday, March 27, culminated in a grand reception attended by a "Who’s Who" of the international diplomatic community.

A Global Gathering of Solidarity

The reception, hosted at a premier hotel in Manhattan, saw an extraordinary turnout that underscored Bangladesh's rising influence on the world stage:

  • Attendance: Permanent Representatives from approximately 150 member states were present.

  • UN Leadership: Senior officials from the UN Secretariat and heads of various international organizations joined the festivities.

  • Keynote Address: Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, serving as the Chief Guest, reiterated that multilateralism remains the bedrock of Bangladesh’s foreign policy—a principle held firm since the country joined the UN in 1974.

Pillars of Foreign Policy: Peace and Humanity

In his address, Dr. Rahman emphasized Bangladesh's dual commitment to global security and humanitarianism:

  • Peacekeeping: He highlighted Bangladesh’s status as a top contributor to UN Peacekeeping Operations, noting the sacrifices made by Bangladeshi blue helmets in conflict zones worldwide.

  • The Rohingya Crisis: The Minister reaffirmed the nation’s continued generosity in sheltering over 1.2 million displaced Rohingya, calling for sustained international pressure for their safe and dignified repatriation.

  • Socio-Economic Milestones: He noted that despite five decades of environmental and political adversities, Bangladesh has emerged as a model for sustainable development and constructive engagement within the UN framework.

Symbol of Indomitable Will

The event opened with a welcome speech by Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN. He remarked:

"March 26 is not merely the birth date of a nation; it stands as a symbol of the indomitable will, dignity, and the final victory of the Bengali people’s quest for independence."

Day-Long Commemoration

The evening reception followed a more solemn morning session held at the Mission’s auditorium:

  • National Messages: Formal messages from the President and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman were read out to the mission staff and members of the diaspora.

  • Documentary Screening: A special documentary was screened, chronicling the historical struggle of 1971 and the visionary leadership of the proclaimer of independence, Ziaur Rahman.

The celebrations served as a powerful reminder of Bangladesh's transition into a "vibrant democracy" following the political shifts of early 2026, with the international community signaling strong support for the new administration's reform agenda.

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