Bangladesh High Commission Highlights Nearly 50 Years of Maldivian Ties
- The Bangladesh High Commission in Malé held a seminar marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day, examining nearly 50 years of bilateral ties.
- Speakers highlighted former President Ziaur Rahman's role in establishing diplomatic relations on 22 September 1978, featuring addresses from MNU academics.
- High Commissioner Islam noted nearly 100,000 Bangladeshi nationals reside in the Maldives, contributing to its economic and social development.
The Bangladesh High Commission in Malé organised an academic seminar and panel discussion on Saturday to mark National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
According to the High Commission, the discussion brought together diplomats, academics from the Maldives National University (MNU), and members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community to examine the historical trajectory of bilateral ties and the events of 7 November 1975. Speakers notably highlighted the central role of former President Ziaur Rahman in establishing formal diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the Maldives on 22 September 1978.
High Commissioner Dr Md. Nazmul Islam, who chaired the seminar, paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman for his contributions to state-building and foreign policy. Dr Islam noted that the 1978 initiative set the foundation for nearly five decades of bilateral cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Delivering the keynote address, Mohamed Hoodh Ibrahim, Head of the Department of Political Science and Public Policy at MNU, reviewed the historical and diplomatic origins of the relationship. Dr K. M. Huria Parveen, an Assistant Professor at MNU, discussed the academic dimensions of the partnership and advocated for stronger institutional links between the two countries.
The panel also addressed the socioeconomic ties linking both nations, reports the Bangladesh High Commission in Malé. Expatriate community leader and entrepreneur Khalilur Rahman described Bangladeshi workers as a vital economic bridge between Dhaka and Malé. High Commissioner Islam observed that nearly 100,000 Bangladeshi nationals currently reside in the Maldives, contributing directly to the host country’s economic and social development.
The event commenced with the hoisting of Bangladesh’s national flag, recitations from the Holy Qur’an, and the screening of a documentary, concluding with formal prayers and a reception.
