Bangladesh national day celebrated

ISLAMABAD: To celebrate the 48th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh, High Commissioner and Mrs. Tarik Ahsan hosted a reception at a hotel. It was quite a well attended affair with diplomats; officers from the armed forces of the diplomatic corps as well as Pakistan; Bangladeshis residing in the country and Pakistanis from different walks of life all rubbing shoulders with each other.

The guest of honor was Additional Secretary Imtiaz Ahmed, while Senator Syed Mushahid Hussian and other persons, including envoys of the SAARC region were also invited to share the stage.

Photographs of Bangladesh lined the red carpet leading to the Shishmahal Hall where two large screens, one on each side, were used to showcase the sights and sounds of the country as well as the short, live cultural show that took place after the speeches and the cake cutting ceremony.

Welcoming his guests, the High Commissioner spoke of his country’s progress – the fastest growing economy; bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh and the interaction that takes places between the two countries on different levels.

In his response the chief guest wished the government of Bangladesh and its people on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan and also mentioned the bilateral and cultural ties between the two countries which continue to improve.

Before dinner – Bangladeshi specialties were served – there was a performance of two dances by ladies of the high commission, which showcased a glimpse of the rich culture of the land.

Dinner with some Bangladeshi specialties was served; videos of the sights and sounds of the country were screened throughout while lilting music played in the background. As someone remarked, it is people to people contacts which make good relations between countries even better and events such as this make a difference.