Toronto: The Bangladesh Consulate General in Toronto recently hosted a reception to commemorate the country’s Independence anniversary, emphasizing Dhaka’s bid for the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and bolstering both bilateral and multilateral relations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event took place at the Conference Hall, Atria-I, drawing members of the consular corps in Toronto, international business chamber representatives, Canadian political figures, including members of the Ontario Provincial Parliament and City Council, and other dignitaries. Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions for Ontario, served as the guest of honour, with Aris Babikian, Member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament, also in attendance.
In his address, Bangladesh Consul General in Toronto Shah Alom Khokon honored the martyrs, freedom fighters, and women who sacrificed for the country’s independence. He paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman for his declaration of independence and praised former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her role in the democratic struggle. The consul general emphasized the celebration’s timing amidst Bangladesh’s political transition and reiterated the country’s commitment to multilateralism.
Khokon announced Bangladesh’s candidacy for the Presidency of the 81st Session of the UNGA, with the election set for June 2026, and Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman nominated for the position. He expressed confidence in gaining international support, highlighting Bangladesh’s role as a leading advocate for climate-vulnerable nations, a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping, and a host to over 1.3 million Rohingya refugees.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada Md Jashim Uddin, attending as a special guest, highlighted the robust relations between Bangladesh and Canada. He noted the expansion of bilateral ties across various sectors, including increased Canadian investments in Bangladesh’s manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, and rising trade volumes. Uddin also praised the Bangladeshi diaspora in Canada for fostering strong people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Guest of honour Vijay Thanigasalam commended the Bangladeshi community in Canada for their unity and resilience. Prior to this event, on March 26, the consulate general hosted another reception for the Bangladeshi community in the Greater Toronto Area to mark Independence and National Day.