Lisbon, 28 March 2024:

Bangladesh Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal celebrated the 53^rd Anniversary of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh with due dignity and festivity.  On this occasion, the Embassy hosted a reception in the evening on Wednesday, 27 March 2024 at the prestigious Marriott Hotel.

The venue of the National Day Reception was decorated with an impressive arrangement of fresh flowers, colourful backdrop banner and roll-up banners. A photographic exhibition on ‘Beautiful Bangladesh’ comprising an array of framed pictures of natural beauty, architectural heritage and socio-economic development of Bangladesh was also set up in the atrium that led to the door of the Reception hall. In the line of presentation at the door of the Reception hall, Bangladesh Ambassador to Portugal Rezina Ahmed, her spouse Mr. Khandokar Khurshid Kamal, Counsellor Laila Muntajeri Deena, First Secretary Md. Alamgeer Hossain and his lady wife welcomed the guests.

The Reception was graced by the Dean of Diplomatic Corp, Ambassadors, diplomats, officials of Foreign Ministry & local government councils, members of civil society, business community, leaders & members of Bangladesh community (from Lisbon, Porto, Milfontes and other parts of Portugal), representatives of Bangladesh media, officials of Bangladesh Embassy along with their spouses.

The official part of the ceremony began with playing of National Anthems of Bangladesh and Portugal in sequence. In her welcome speech, Ambassador Rezina Ahmed offered deep tribute to the memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and recalled with gratitude the supreme sacrifice of martyrs, valiant freedom fighters and women, who were violated during the liberation war. She mentioned that under the visionary leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is steadfastly moving forward to realize Bangabandhu’s dream of sonar Bangla. Bangladesh is recognized as a role model of development globally. Bangladesh has now emerged as the 34^th largest economy in the world. She narrated different aspects of “Smart Bangladesh” to be achieved by 2041 as set by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. Being a responsible and responsive member of the international community, Bangladesh has been an advocate for the causes of peace, development, disarmament, climate action, religious moderation and a leading contributor to UN peace keeping missions. She urged representatives of the international community to support the safe repatriation of the Rohingya people to their homeland in Myanmar. The Ambassador also highlighted the positive developments in the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Portugal. She extended her heartfelt thanks to the Portuguese Government and the people of Portugal for hosting a good number of Bangladeshis. The Ambassador highlighted the potentials of tourism sector of Bangladesh and invited the guests to visit Bangladesh.

Thereafter, Ambassador Rezina Ahmed and the Dean of Diplomatic Corp Most Rev. Ivo Scapolo jointly cut the cake. Later, A video documentary depicting Bangladesh’s remarkable progress and development was screened before the audience. Along with Portuguese dishes, Bangladeshi Biriyani and traditional desserts were served in the buffet and the audience appreciated Bangladeshi cuisine.