The High Commission of Bangladesh in Pakistan hosted a grand reception in Islamabad to commemorate the 54th anniversary of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. The event brought together an impressive array of Pakistani government officials, diplomats, civil and military leaders, business figures, media representatives, and members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community. Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Defense, Khawaja Mohammad Asif, attended the ceremony as the chief guest, extending congratulations to the Government and people of Bangladesh on behalf of Pakistan. He applauded Bangladesh’s socio-economic achievements and called for further strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations.

Khawaja Asif also highlighted the recent visit of Pakistan’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs to Bangladesh, calling it a positive step toward building mutual trust and cooperation. He emphasized Pakistan’s interest in enhancing trade, cultural exchanges, and defense collaboration with Bangladesh, noting the shared potential for growth in all these sectors.

In his welcome remarks, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan, Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan, paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and the participants of the July-August mass movements. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and expressed Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening relations with Pakistan and other South Asian nations. He, along with his wife Nahid Raushan and officials of the High Commission, warmly received all guests.

The ceremony commenced with national anthems of both Bangladesh and Pakistan, followed by a ceremonial cake-cutting adorned with the two nations’ flags. The venue was beautifully decorated with traditional Bangladeshi folk art, cultural exhibits, and floral arrangements, reflecting the country’s rich heritage and development journey. Guests were treated to an array of authentic Bangladeshi cuisine, adding cultural warmth and hospitality to the evening.

The event served as a platform for goodwill, diplomacy, and celebration of the shared history and future cooperation between Bangladesh and Pakistan.