A message from Bangladesh Ambassador to Bahrain on Bangladesh Independence Day

Since the establishment of diplomatic relation in 1983, Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Bahrain have been enjoying excellent relationship characterized by common values, shared perceptions and common religio-cultural customs and traditions. The bond of relationship between the two countries is progressively strengthened. 

The independence of Bangladesh was declared on 26 March 1971 and is celebrated as Independence and National Day. Our war of liberation, which started on 26 March, culminated with a complete victory on 16 December 1971. We thus celebrate 16 December as Victory Day of Bangladesh. This is a very happy coincidence in history that we the two brotherly countries – Bahrain and Bangladesh - came out in the world map as independent nations on the same day in the same year. This unique commonality has a great symbolic value and has also added extra dimension in strengthening the bond of friendship between our two brotherly countries. 

Basing on the strong foundation of friendship, we have continuously endevoured to exploit the immense potentials for its further expansion in various sectors, particularly in the area of trade and investment. Signing of two bilateral agreements during the recent visit of the Bangladesh Foreign Minister to Bahrain in December 2015, one, on avoidance of double taxation and the other, on investment promotion and protection, will greatly contribute to strengthening trade and economic relations, in particular and to further widening and deepening the bilateral relations in general. 

We are proud of 26 March which ushered in a new era of our glorious independence, our greatest achievement. On this occasion, we share our delight with beloved Bangladeshi compatriots, as well as with the friendly and brotherly people of Bahrain. We pay homage to the father of the nation, Bangabandhu Shaikh Mujibur Rahman, whose towering leadership inspired numerous Bangalees to embrace martyrdom for the independence. We pray for salvation of departed souls of all those dedicated their lives for our freedom.  The supreme sacrifice was aimed at a prosperous country. Our present government under the premiership of Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina announced “Vision 2021” with new spirit of building the country and is working towards that end. 

Bangladesh nationals represent the second largest expatriate community in Bahrain.  It is gratifying that their positive contributions are well appreciated by the government as well as people of the Kingdom. While contributing to the development of the Kingdom by their hard struggles, the expatriates are playing vital roles in the development efforts of Bangladesh as well by means of their remittances and thus creating a win-win situation for both countries.

I seize this opportunity to convey my sincere thanks and gratitude, on behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh, to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa for extending their generous support and cooperation to me, to my mission and to our community.  Also I thank different ministries and agencies of the Kingdom including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour, Interior Ministry, Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), General Directorate of Nationality, Passport and Residence (GDNPR) for their important support to us.

We pray for peace, prosperity and security for both Bangladesh and Bahrain. Long live brotherhood and friendship between the two countries. May Allah the Almighty bless us all. 

Maj. Gen. K.M  Mominur Rahman, afwc, psc, Ambassador