Bangladesh High Commission in Pretoria celebrates the 55th Independence
The Bangladesh High Commission in Pretoria hosted a grand reception on 14 April 2025 at the prestigious Pretoria Country Club to commemorate Bangladesh's 55th Independence and National Day. The event commenced at 11:30 a.m. and concluded at 3:00 p.m.
Approximately 200 distinguished guests attended the celebration, including foreign diplomats and prominent South African personalities. In addition, around 100 members of the Bangladeshi diaspora residing in South Africa participated in the event.
Mrs Thandiwe Fadane, the Chief Director at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of South Africa, was the chief guest at the reception.
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Before this reception, the High Commission formally observed Independence and National Day on 26 March 2025 at the chancery premises.
The reception began with the formal welcoming of guests at 11:45 a.m., followed by seating at 12:30 p.m. The national anthems of Bangladesh and South Africa were played at the outset.
His Excellency Mr Shah Ahmed Shafi, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to South Africa, and the Chief Guest delivered speeches on the occasion. In his address, the High Commissioner highlighted the historical significance of Bangladesh's Independence Day and the journey of the nation's freedom. He also reflected on the growing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and South Africa, focusing on trade, diplomacy, and economic cooperation.
Mr Shafi informed guests about Bangladesh's recent socio-economic and political progress and encouraged friendly nations to enhance investment in Bangladesh. He also called for an immediate end to the genocide in Palestine and expressed hope for an independent Palestinian state within a peaceful and harmonious global order. Additionally, he urged the South African authorities to expedite the establishment of a resident South African High Commission in Dhaka.
In her remarks, the Chief Guest congratulated the High Commissioner on Bangladesh's 55th Independence and National Day and expressed strong interest in expanding bilateral cooperation across sectors, including education, defence, trade, and investment. Both speakers reaffirmed the vast potential for enhanced collaboration between the two nations.
