DUBAI – Bangladesh marked its Expo 2020 Dubai National Day today (16 December) with an impressive line-up of cultural and entertainment activities – including traditional dance attributed to the nation’s forefathers, martyrs and freedom fighters – at Al Wasl Plaza, the Bangladesh Pavilion and venues across the Expo site.
His Excellency Tipu Munshi, Honourable Minister of Commerce for Bangladesh, led a delegation from Bangladesh that was welcomed by Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, and Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director, Expo 2020 Dubai Commissioner General Office.
HE Tipu Munshi said: “We are delighted to be celebrating our 50th year of independence – our victory day – at Expo 2020 Dubai. Expo 2020 has raised our bilateral relations to a new historic high. The relations between Bangladesh and the UAE are based on fraternal relations, shared faith, traditions, government and joint aspirations.
“Our relations started in 1974 and our friendship continues to grow. Our economy has transformed from a strong agricultural economy to a strong export economy with many investment opportunities. Bangladesh is the second-largest apparel producer after China, and we have a lot of other items coming out of Bangladesh including leather, jute, pharmaceuticals and electrical goods; we export to more than 150 countries. This is all down to the success of our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed, who is doing a great job in this respect. She is also spearheading women’s empowerment and inspiring our wonderful young workforce. We have come a long way in these past 50 years – just like the UAE has. Both countries have demonstrated excellent foresight and we share similar cultures and histories. Bangladesh has a lot of scope and offers a great deal of incentives for investors.”
Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, said: “Through its participation at Expo 2020 and unique pavilion exhibition, Bangladesh offers our visitors the opportunity to explore its rich history and culture, as well as learn about Bangladesh’s transformation from an agrarian economy to a strong export-led country with many investment opportunities.
“The pavilion highlights Bangladesh’s national and economic priorities and achievements in various areas, including its plan 2021-2041, which charts an important path towards growth and development for Bangladesh’s robust people, as well as its eco-friendly products and unique innovations.”
The Bangladesh Pavilion, located in Expo’s Sustainability District, highlights the country’s national and economic priorities and achievements in various areas, including its plan 2021-2041, which charts an important path towards growth and development for Bangladesh’s robust people, as well as its eco-friendly products and unique innovations.
The pavilion uses digital and physical exhibits to showcase the country’s transformation since its independence from Pakistan in 1971. The Bangabandhu Gallery, highlighting the visionary leadership of the Father of the Nation; unique innovations, such as low-cost ambulances and fuel made from plastic, and sustainable, eco-friendly handicrafts and jute products.
Further screens take visitors on a journey through the country’s booming economy: from fisheries to pharmaceuticals, the future has never looked brighter, illustrated by the innovations the country has produced in the a2i Lab.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of its 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements, and showcasing their pavilions and programming. Each features a flag-raising ceremony at the Stage of Nations in Al Wasl Plaza, followed by speeches and cultural performances.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 invites visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.