Port louis: The Bangladesh High Commission in Port Louis, Mauritius, hosted a vibrant reception to commemorate the 55th Independence and National Day of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage and national pride.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the event was graced by prominent figures, including Dharambeer Gokhool, G.C.S.K., President of Mauritius, who attended as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished guests included Jean Yvan Robert Hungley, G.O.S.K., Vice-President, and Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade. The celebration took place at the Islamic Cultural Centre, which was decorated with colorful lights, banners, and festoons, providing a festive atmosphere.
The ceremony was attended by high-profile dignitaries from Mauritius, such as Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, Speaker of the National Assembly; Bibi Rehana Mungly-Gulbul, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; Muhammad Reza Cassam Uteem, Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations; and M. I. Abdool Rahman, Electoral Commissioner. The gathering also included three former Presidents and a former Vice-President of Mauritius.
The formal program commenced with a toast to the President and people of Bangladesh, reciprocated by the High Commissioner with a toast to the President and people of Mauritius. The Mauritius Police Band performed the national anthems of both countries, followed by a statement from High Commissioner Dr. Zokey Ahad, Ph.D., and a performance of a Bangla folk song. The ceremonial segment concluded with the joint cutting of a cake by the High Commissioner, the Mauritian President, and the Foreign Minister.
A documentary titled Notun Surjoo and an exhibition on key moments of the July-August 2024 mass movement were showcased during the event. Dr. Ahad, in his remarks, paid tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War and the victims and heroes of the July-August 2024 revolution, observing a minute of silence.
Dr. Ahad highlighted Bangladesh’s rapid economic growth, investment opportunities, and support from the Mauritian government for the Bangladeshi expatriate community. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for the rights of the Chagos Archipelago population and expressed gratitude for Mauritius’s backing on the Rohingya issue. The High Commissioner also emphasized the historical, political, and cultural ties between the two nations and urged diplomats to support Bangladesh’s candidature for the Presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly.
Approximately 350 guests attended the reception, including cabinet members, National Assembly representatives, diplomats, business leaders, media personnel, and members of the Bangladeshi community in Mauritius. Guests enjoyed Bangladeshi folk music and cuisine, and received Bangladeshi food products and tourism publications in jute gift bags. The event was extensively covered in Mauritian print and electronic media.
Earlier in the day, the High Commissioner hoisted the Bangladesh national flag at Bangladesh House, followed by the national anthem sung by all officials and staff.