S Asia becoming centre of attention for int'l diplomacy with implications for Bangladesh: FM | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Monday
May 19, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025
S Asia becoming centre of attention for int'l diplomacy with implications for Bangladesh: FM

Bangladesh

UNB
18 April, 2021, 10:45 am
Last modified: 18 April, 2021, 10:51 am

Related News

  • Road Safety Act urged to protect pedestrians, cyclists
  • 36 garments-laden trucks stranded at Benapole port
  • Cattle markets won't be allowed on educational institution fields in Ctg
  • Legal notice served seeking declaration of AL’s alliance partners as terrorist orgs
  • Land port restrictions force costly reroute for Bangladesh RMG, food exports to India

S Asia becoming centre of attention for int'l diplomacy with implications for Bangladesh: FM

This year, the Foreign Service Day is being observed as part of twin celebrations for the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's Independence

UNB
18 April, 2021, 10:45 am
Last modified: 18 April, 2021, 10:51 am
Photo: Courtesy
Photo: Courtesy

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the South Asian region, as in 1971, is again becoming a "centre of attention for international diplomacy, with profound implications for Bangladesh" and its place in the world. 

"I thank all our friends in the international community who have consistently stood by Bangladesh and held on to their faith in our potentials," he said in a video message marking the Foreign Service Day-2021 that falls on April 18.

This year, the Foreign Service Day is being observed as part of twin celebrations for the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's Independence. 

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

On 18 April 1971, 65 Bengali officials serving at the Deputy High Commission of Pakistan in Kolkata pledged their allegiance to the independent Bangladesh under the leadership of the late M. Hossain Ali, the Deputy High Commissioner at the time. 

This was the first time the flag of independent Bangladesh was raised at a Chancery on foreign soil. 

Prior to this day, the late Ambassador KM Shehabuddin and Amzadul Haque, two officers then posted to New Delhi, defected from the Pakistan High Commission on 06 April 1971.

These acts of courage and patriotism were followed by a number of Bengali officers serving in diplomatic missions in North America, Europe and other parts of the world, Dr Momen said.  

"On this Foreign Service Day, at this critical juncture of our nation, I am joined by my colleagues in the Ministry and our Missions abroad to reaffirm our resolve to face the unforeseen challenges coming our way, and also to seize the unbounded opportunities that beckon Bangladesh, a land of opportunity," he said.

Dr Momen said Bangladesh Foreign Service carries the proud legacy as its innate source of inspiration and guidance and it stands tall on the foundational dictum of 'Friendship to All, Malice towards None', boldly asserted by Bangabandhu. 

"This succinct motto proved to be time-tested and almost prophetic during the fifty years of Bangladesh's diplomatic pursuits, even throughout successive regime changes," he said. 

The Foreign Minister said Bangabandhu's diplomatic acumen and foresight, demonstrated before and after independence, have been ably inherited by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

With her characteristic conviction and patience, he said, Sheikh Hasina has taken Bangladesh to new height of international diplomacy – be that for peacefully settling disputes, or opening up new avenues for regional connectivity, or taking lead for the climate vulnerable countries or giving shelter to millions of  persecuted Rohingya in a rare humanitarian gesture. 

Dr Momen said many accolades showered on her by prominent world leaders during Golden Jubilee celebrations speak for themselves. 

Bangladesh received 147 congratulatory messages and 30 video messages from the global leaders.

The geo-political significance of Bangladesh's economic rise and development credentials are now unmistakable to foreign policy pundits, he said. 

The Foreign Minister said they are now grooming new generation of Foreign Service officers who will bravely reach out to the world with Bangabandhu's vision of a Sonar Bangla engraved in their mind and the 'can-do' spirit instilled in their heart by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

"I personally feel humbled to see our officials braving the challenges of the ongoing pandemic to render their services in hotspots in different parts of the world," he said.

Diplomacy, Dr Momen thinks, is an art that draws strength from the whole of society and gets supported by the whole of government. 

"On this auspicious occasion, I pay tribute to our nearly 12 million-strong expatriate community across the globe for their contributions to our nation-building and international branding," he said. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was hoping to observe the Day in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which they had to defer due to the pandemic-induced strict lockdown currently in place. 

Indeed, Dr Momen said, Bangladesh's contributions to international peace, development and humanitarian work have been the outcome of the dedicated hard work of many at the Foreign Service that the nation at 50th anniversary can definitely feel proud of. 

"On this Foreign Service Day, we owe a debt of gratitude to all our officials and their family members serving missions for their contributions to upholding the image of our nation abroad over the last five decades," he said. 

Dr Momen extended warmest greetings and felicitations to all his colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Missions abroad.  

Top News

South Asia / centre / attention / Bangladesh / FM / AK Abdul Momen / International / Diplomacy

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Highlights: TBS
    Doctors in limbo, patients in peril as dysfunction grips public hospitals
  • Economist Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya. File photo: UNB
    Only 30% of social safety net benefits reach the poor: Debapriya Bhattacharya
  • Infograph: TBS
    New law planned to protect insurance clients as 6 firms embezzle Tk3,736cr

MOST VIEWED

  • Illustration: Ashrafun Naher Ananna/TBS
    World’s top universities outside United States 2025
  • Infograph: TBS
    US-Bangladesh FTA talks begin, RMG may see major boost
  • Representational image. File photo: TBS
    India halts import of Bangladeshi garments, processed foods via land ports
  • Nusraat Faria Mazhar. Photo: Noor A Alam/TBS
    Actress Nusraat Faria detained at Dhaka airport over attempted murder case
  • Infographic: TBS
    Nationwide elevated highways in the works to boost mobility, minimise land use
  • Employees of the now-dissolved NBR hold a protest programme in front of the revenue board's HQ on 13 May. Photo: Jahir Rayhan/TBS
    Govt looks for ways to resolve NBR deadlock

Related News

  • Road Safety Act urged to protect pedestrians, cyclists
  • 36 garments-laden trucks stranded at Benapole port
  • Cattle markets won't be allowed on educational institution fields in Ctg
  • Legal notice served seeking declaration of AL’s alliance partners as terrorist orgs
  • Land port restrictions force costly reroute for Bangladesh RMG, food exports to India

Features

PHOTO: Collected

Helmet Hunt: Top 5 half-face helmets that meet international safety standards

19h | Wheels
Photo: Collected

Simple accessories to extend the life of your luggage

20h | Brands
With a growing population, the main areas of Rajshahi city are now often clogged with traffic. Photo: Mahmud Jami

Once a ‘green city’, Rajshahi now struggling to breathe

1d | Panorama
Illustration: TBS

Cassettes, cards, and a contactless future: NFC’s expanding role in Bangladesh

2d | Panorama

More Videos from TBS

Nusraat Faria in jail, bail hearing to resume on May 22

Nusraat Faria in jail, bail hearing to resume on May 22

47m | TBS Today
The India-Pakistan standoff has solidified a dangerous baseline

The India-Pakistan standoff has solidified a dangerous baseline

2h | Others
What is the source of power of billionaire global Muslim leader Agha Khan?

What is the source of power of billionaire global Muslim leader Agha Khan?

12h | Others
News of The Day, 18 MAY 2025

News of The Day, 18 MAY 2025

15h | TBS News of the day
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net