Report : Tazeen Akhtar with Cameraman Raja Ghulam Farid
To the disappointment of some and to the encouragement for many , Bangladesh and Pakistan once again expressed their strong resolve to further improve bilateral relations and strengthen mutual cooperation in all sectors after both sides came closer after the fall of the rule of Sheikh Haseena Wajid in Dhaka last year.
The resolve was expressed at 54th National Day of Bangladesh that was celebrated by the High Commission in Islamabad on 24 April 2025 at Serena Hotels and was attended by not one not two but six federal ministers of Pakistan that is a rare phenomenon.
The High Commissioner Md. Iqbal Hossain Khan and spouse Nahid Raushan hosted the reception that attracted a large number of Pakistanis from all walks of life including business community, civil society and media persons.
The presence of Indian Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Geetika Srivastava was also a notable thing in the context of evolving situation between Pakistan and India after Pehalgam terrorist attack and lowering of diplomatic relations between the two arch rival states of South Asia.
Defense Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Mohammad Asif was chief guest at the occasion. Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal , Minister for Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal, State Minister for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, Malik State Minister National Food Security & Research, Rasheed Ahmad Khan ,State Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Kisho Mal Khel Das and senior civil and military officials were also present.
High Commissioner Md. Iqbal Hossain Khan, in his welcome address noted the upward trajectory of Bangla Pak relations, especially after the change of government in his country. He said, Bangladesh is keen to develop mutual cooperation and friendly bonds with Pakistan.
H.E pointed out the mutual understanding on regional and international affairs and foras. He mentioned the desire for collaboration for shared prosperity at both sides.
Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif, congratulated the government and people of Bangladesh and expressed the best wishes from Pakistani side. He said, Pakistan attaches great importance to her relations with Bangladesh. He highlighted the historic and cultural relations between the two nations. He highly appreciated the significant progress in the socio-economic sectors of Bangladesh.
He said, both sides are working together to further strengthen the relations and increase the development cooperation between the two countries. The minister expressed keen interest of Pakistan to enhance political, economic, and cultural cooperation with Dhaka.
Earlier the national anthem of both countries were played. Ministers cut the ceremonial cake together with High Commissioner of Bangladesh.
The hall was decorated with colors of Bangladesh flag. Different banners and posters were installed that consisted of the information about Bangladesh’ development in various sectors including agriculture, industry, tourism and other sectors.
Pakistan girl students athletes from Women University Rawalpindi also participated in the event wearing their uniforms. Their presence was pleasantly noted by the guests as a connection between the youth of both countries.
