Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ To commemorate Bangladesh’s 52nd Independence and National Day, a reception was organized by the Bangladesh High Commission to Brunei Darussalam. On this occasion, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nahida Rahman Shumona made a statement in honor of His Majesty. She stated, “His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam state visit to Bangladesh has uplifted the mood of the people after a three-year long pandemic where four memorandums of understanding (MoU) were signed, which are in the process of implementation and will benefit both countries.” She added, “Friendship between our two countries is based on mutual respect, trust and cultural similarities. During the past year, our bilateral relations have further strengthened”.
The guest of honor was Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid. The commissioner paid homage to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for freeing Bangladesh and lauded the economic achievements of the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In addition, she emphasized the beneficial results of His Majesty’s state visit to Bangladesh. As Bangladesh continues on its path to growth to become a desirable business destination, the relationship between the two nations will also continue to grow. She further stated that following the signing of the energy cooperation agreement, a delegation headed by State Minister for Electricity, Energy, and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid made a visit to follow up on the MoU.
According to her, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Ambassador Masud Bin Momen also participated in the Second Foreign Office Consultations held in Brunei in August 2022. Additionally, Bruneian artists Pengiran Wahab Hasan, Awangku Muhammad Hazim, and Siti Kaprawi exhibited collaborative artwork during the reception that focused on Bangladesh’s growth as an independent nation. A book named Bangladesh through the eyes of Bruneian Children was also published as a result of a partnership between the High Commission of Bangladesh, La Vida Berhad, and the Reading and Literacy Association (ReLA).
According to Nahida, a variety of activities were conducted to recognize the leadership potential of women and an inclusive society, as well as the hidden skills of teenagers and children with special needs. She stated, “In efforts to recognize and promote budding talents, we have partnered with ReLA, La Vida, Pusat Ehsan, the Impian Project and other organizations in Bandar Seri Begawan. Our events would have been lackluster without the participation of those beautiful minds”. She also urged the Bangladeshi community to collaborate in order to realize the Prime Minister’s Smart Bangladesh goal. Foreign envoys, Bruneian high officials, Legislative Council members, and the Bangladesh community also took part in the reception.
