– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi – The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi hosted a belated Independence Day celebration on Thursday evening at the Taj Palace Hotel. The event, originally set for March 26, was postponed due to the arrival of a new High Commissioner and the month of Ramadan.
The gathering included ambassadors, high commissioners, diplomats, Indian officials, academics, civil society members, and media professionals.
Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, was the guest of honour. He praised India-Bangladesh ties as built on “shared experiences and sacrifices.” He called the relationship “resilient and forward-looking,” key to peace and prosperity in the region.
Singh said the partnership covers trade, connectivity, energy, security, and culture. He assured India’s commitment to deepening this important relationship.
Bangladesh’s High Commissioner, Riaz Hamidullah, recently presented his credentials to the Indian President. He focused on future cooperation. “We remember the past, but also look ahead—as neighbours and partners in progress,” he said.
He highlighted the transfer of 40 MW hydropower from Nepal to Bangladesh via India as a regional model. As BIMSTEC chair, Bangladesh is focused on boosting regional cooperation, he added.
Hamidullah also said that the interim government under Prof. Muhammad Yunus is committed to free and fair elections next year.
The evening included a cultural showcase of traditional Jamdani sarees. The food was curated by chefs from Dhaka’s renowned Fakhruddin Catering, featuring the famous Dhakaiya Kacchi Biryani.
