Karachi, 04 December 2023:

Nazrul Academy Pakistan, which is registered in Pakistan since 1953,  delegation led by its Acting Chairman called on the Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi, S. M. Mahbubul Alam on 04 December 2023 at the Chancery.

During the meeting, the Deputy High Commissioner S. M. Mahbubul Alam highlighted various development initiatives and sectorial achievements in Bangladesh. He said that Bangladesh has become a ‘Role Model’ of socio-economic development in the world. He shared the success stories of socio-economic progress in Bangladesh in different sectors including education and Art, Culture and Heritage.

Deputy High Commissioner S. M. Mahbubul Alam mentioned that Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is the National Poet of Bangladesh. On 24 May 1972, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman brought Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam to Bangladesh. Father of the Nation conferred upon him the status of ‘National Poet’ in 1972. He further added that Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is regarded as one of the greatest poets in Bengali literature. Poet Nazrul produced a large body of poetry, music. Novels, stories and so forth with themes that included equality, justice, anti-imperialism, humanity, women empowerment, social justice, patriotism, strong voice against oppression and religious devotion.

Deputy High Commissioner briefed that Bangladesh has a rich culture, heritage and traditions of thousand years old. Bangladesh is a peace loving country. Bangladesh is a secular democratic country where all, as an inclusive society, enjoy equal rights in education, arts and culture. Rights of all from all strata of the society are well protected in Bangladesh. The art, culture, traditions, and faiths vis-à-vis the vibrant media in Bangladesh enjoy freedom of expression and freedom of practice. These freedoms are guaranteed by the National Constitution of Bangladesh, which was adopted in the National Parliament on 4 November 1972.

Deputy High Commissioner further briefed that with UNESCO Bangladesh has four listed elements as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity such as Baul Song, Traditional Art of Jamdani Weaving, Mongal Shovajatra on Pahela Baishakh and Traditional Art of Shital Pati Weaving. UNESCO also have recognized in 2017 the “Historic 7- March Speech” by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as part of the World’s Documentary Heritage.

Deputy High Commissioner also appraised that Bangladesh is now among the five fastest growing economies in the world, ranking 35^th in terms of GDP. He added that Bangladesh has made impressive progress in girls’ education and women empowerment. He cited that according to WEF, Bangladesh is ranked seventh in the world in terms of political empowerment of women.

Deputy High Commissioner thanked them for the meeting. Nazrul Academy Pakistan delegation was impressed to know about the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.