Chennai, 28 March 2023:

Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Chennai celebrated the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh with due fervor and festivity. The program of the day commenced with the hoisting of the national flag at full mast in the morning at the Chancery premises followed by placing a floral wreathe at the picture of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. All the officials and guests kept one minute silence to show respect to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Bangladesh.

A discussion session was held on the significance of the Day. Messages from the Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and the Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh issued on the occasion were read out followed by screening of short documentary on Independence Day of Bangladesh. The Deputy High Commissioner, in his speech, paid deep tribute to the Father of the Nation for his indomitable leadership and personal sacrifice for the independence of Bangladesh. He also acknowledged the supreme sacrifices made by the Freedom Fighters for an independent Bangladesh and urged all to work with full effort to turn Bangladesh into a ‘Sonar Bangla’ as envisioned by Bangabandhu. Finally, special prayer was offered for the salvation of the departed soul of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, His Family members and the martyrs of the Liberation War of Bangladesh. 

In the evening on 28 March, a reception was held at the ITC Grand Chola, Chennai which was graced by Dr. M M Ranjendran, Former Governor of Odisha, Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Mafidur Rahman, Chairman, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh and members of diplomatic communities. Apart from Consul Generals of Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore and Acting Consul General of USA in Chennai, a host of high-level Government officials from the State and Central Government, members of diplomatic corps, members of business community, academics, members of the print and electronic media attended the program. The Deputy High Commissioner, during his brief remarks, remembered with profound respect the contribution of the Father of the Nation and the valiant freedom fighters and martyrs to the achievement of independence of Bangladesh. He also gratefully recalled the contribution of the Indian Government and People of India during the Liberation war. He highlighted Bangladesh’s various success in economic and social developments, as well as Bangladesh’s leading role in promoting global peace under the able leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.  

During the reception, documentaries highlighting Bangladesh’s history, language movement, culture, natural beauty, trade, investment opportunities, and development were screened. The reception was ended with traditional Bangladeshi and Indian specially South Indian foods."