The High Commission of Bangladesh hosted a reception in Singapore, celebrating national progress with cultural performances and reaffirming strong bilateral ties.
Singapore, 16 May 2025 – The 55th Independence and National Day of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was commemorated with a diplomatic reception in Singapore, hosted by His Excellency Dr Md Tauhedul Islam, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Singapore, and Mrs Islam. The event brought together dignitaries, members of parliament, the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and representatives of the Bangladeshi community.
The evening featured a colourful traditional dance performance, highlighting the cultural heritage of Bangladesh. In a symbolic and celebratory moment, H.E. Dr Islam and Mr Murali Pillai, Guest Speaker and Member of the Singapore Parliament, jointly cut a ceremonial cake, marking over five decades of independence and growing diplomatic friendship.
In his address, Mr Pillai reflected on Bangladesh’s dynamic development since gaining independence in 1971. He praised the country’s rapid economic strides, noting its GDP growth of 5.8% in 2023, and its strategic vision to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2026, become an upper-middle-income country by 2031, and a developed nation by 2041.
“It is truly an honour to celebrate Bangladesh’s 55th Independence and National Day with all of you,” said Mr Murali Pillai. “As fellow young nations, Singapore and Bangladesh share a relationship grounded in mutual trust, respect, and a shared aspiration for progress. Our cooperation continues to expand across key sectors, and I am confident this partnership will only grow stronger in the years ahead.”
Singapore was the first Southeast Asian nation to establish diplomatic ties with Bangladesh in February 1972. Mr Pillai underlined the maturing bilateral relationship, which now encompasses trade, investment, digital innovation, renewable energy, and urban development.
Singapore-based firms invested S$1.86 billion in Bangladesh in 2022, with total bilateral trade in goods reaching S$4.3 billion in 2024. The start of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations was described as a timely initiative to create a robust framework for innovation and commerce between the two nations.
Mr Pillai also recognised the contributions of Singapore’s 450,000-strong Bangladeshi community, acknowledging their role in shaping the nation’s infrastructure and cultural fabric. He highlighted Bangladesh’s active participation in the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), which has trained over 2,100 Bangladeshi professionals in areas such as finance, civil aviation, public administration, and sustainable development.
The reception ended on a note of warmth and forward-looking optimism, with reaffirmations of enduring friendship and shared goals amid an evolving global landscape.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporters
