Key Highlights:
- The United States, a long-standing ally, was among the first to convey its greetings
- In a message to President Shahabuddin, President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan emphasized Pakistan’s profound appreciation for its fraternal relations with Bangladesh
- French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy pledged France’s commitment to advancing Bangladesh’s strategic independence
- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russian-Bangladeshi relations have been traditionally developing in the spirit of friendship
As dawn broke over the bustling city of Dhaka, heralding the onset of Bangladesh’s Independence Day, the atmosphere was electric with jubilation and the profound sense of pride that accompanies the commemoration of a nation’s journey since its inception in 1971. This day transcended mere national significance, resonating globally as leaders from far and wide conveyed their sincerest regards to the resilient nation.
Bangladesh received congratulations from across the globe, spanning from Asia to North America. Messages of felicitation poured in for Bangladesh’s President, Prime Minister, and its citizens on the occasion of the country’s 54th Independence Day, from neighboring India to distant European countries like Belarus. These gestures accentuated a collective commitment to fostering stronger ties with Bangladesh, symbolizing a shared vision for a more interconnected world.
Diplomatic Cheers Echo from North America
The United States, a long-standing ally, was among the first to convey its greetings. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the multifaceted partnership between the two nations, emphasizing shared commitments to combating climate change, advancing economic development, and addressing global health challenges.
The message from the US was clear: Bangladesh is a valued partner in ensuring a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
“The United States is honored to collaborate with Bangladesh on numerous urgent matters of our time, such as tackling climate change, promoting economic development, addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis, backing global peacekeeping efforts, and confronting global health challenges.”
– Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State
Canadian High Commissioner Lilly Nicholls, under her X account, expressed, “May the diversity and love for the freedom of the Bangladeshi people endure.”
South Asian Leaders Unite in Celebration
In a letter directed to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Indian President Droupadi Murmu extended her warmest greetings, on behalf of herself, the government, and the people of India, to the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of their National Day.
She emphasized that the substantial progress in trade, culture, and defense over the last decade serves as proof of the strong bond between the two nations. The President conveyed optimism that the leadership of both countries will persist in efforts to enhance the people-to-people connections between them.
In a message to President Shahabuddin, President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan emphasized Pakistan’s profound appreciation for its fraternal relations with Bangladesh. These ties, founded on a shared history, common faith, and mutual interest in fostering enduring peace and prosperity in the region and beyond, hold significant importance.
Additionally, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Hasina and the people of Bangladesh on this auspicious occasion.
“By collaborating, both nations can play a part in fostering regional peace and stability. I extend my sincere wishes for Sheikh Hasina’s well-being and the ongoing advancement and prosperity of the fraternal people of Bangladesh.”
– Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
China’s President Xi Jinping’s message was particularly noteworthy. In a letter addressed to President Mohammed Shahabuddin, he acknowledged Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to independence over the past 53 years, along with its continuous efforts towards economic development and enhancement of people’s well-being. He commended the remarkable achievements of Bangladesh, which have laid a strong groundwork for the realization of the vision of a “Shonar Bangla.”
“The flourishing bond of traditional friendship between China and Bangladesh, emphasize the solidification of political trust and the fruitful collaboration across diverse sectors in recent years. These efforts have yielded tangible benefits for both nations. I affirm my commitment to collaborating with his Bangladeshi counterpart to enhance the quality of Belt and Road Cooperation and strengthen the Strategic Partnership of Cooperation between China and Bangladesh.”
– Xi Jinping, President of China
Additionally, Chinese Premier of the State Council Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended separate congratulatory messages to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud.
Leaders of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have also individually extended congratulations to the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Furthermore, the UAE honored Bangladesh Independence Day 2024 by illuminating the Bangladeshi flag atop its distinguished landmarks.
Notably, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum have personally conveyed their well wishes on this significant occasion of Independence Day.
“We convey sincere felicitations on the national occasion and extend best wishes for their counterpart’s sound health and we wish continued peace, progress, prosperity and well-being for the friendly country and people of Bangladesh.”
– Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of UAE
How European Countries Lauded Bangladesh?
UK High Commissioner Sarah Cooke remarked that the occasion marked a significant day for Bangladesh, emphasizing it as “a moment for contemplation and remembrance.”
French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy pledged France’s commitment to advancing Bangladesh’s strategic independence.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko conveyed his congratulations to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin and all Bangladeshis on their Independence Day. He expressed optimism about bolstering cooperation in various sectors such as supply of potash fertilizers, transportation, construction equipment, electric vehicles, pharmaceutics, science, technology, and aircraft upgrades.
Lukashenko extended an invitation for President Shahabuddin to visit Belarus to discuss furthering mutually beneficial cooperation on bilateral and international fronts, wishing him good health and success.
“Strengthening friendly relations with your country is an important part of Belarus’ foreign policy in South Asia. We are interested not only in diversifying exports to the Bangladeshi market, but also in making a feasible contribution to the development of industry, agriculture and other economic sectors of your country.”
– Aleksandr Lukashenko, President of Belarus
In telegram messages to President Shahabuddin and PM Hasina, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russian-Bangladeshi relations have been traditionally developing in the spirit of friendship.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin also sent a congratulatory telegram to Hasina, wishing her sound health, well-being, and new achievements; and to friendly Bangladeshi people, happiness and prosperity.
“Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of your country – the Independence Day. I am convinced that through mutual efforts, we will contribute to their further development for the benefit of our peoples and in the interests of stronger regional security and stability. I wish you sound health and every success, and to all citizens of Bangladesh – peace and prosperity”.
– Vladimir Putin, President of Russia
Aside from the United States, Asia, and Europe, Australia also conveyed its wishes to Bangladesh. The Australian High Commission in Bangladesh expressed on their social media handle their eagerness to maintain close collaboration, aiming to foster a region characterized by openness, stability, and prosperity.
As Bangladesh celebrated its 54th Independence Day, the international community’s acknowledgment served as a reminder of the country’s journey from a war-torn past to a future brimming with potential. The global leaders’ greetings were not just words on paper; they were commitments to stand by Bangladesh as it continues to navigate the challenges of the 21st century.
The nation’s golden jubilee of independence may have been a milestone, but the journey ahead is filled with even greater promise. With the support of its international allies and the indomitable spirit of its people, Bangladesh is poised to achieve the dream of “Shonar Bangla” – a golden Bengal.
