New York, 26 March 2024:   “With a well-educated workforce and a dynamic youth population, modern Bangladesh has overcome  remarkable odds to become an economic powerhouse in South Asia” – Ambassador Dennis Francis,  President of the General Assembly made this comment while delivering remarks as chief guest at the  reception hosted by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York to celebrate  the great Independence and National Day-2024 of Bangladesh. The President of the General Assembly  mentioned that Bangladesh’s story is one of extraordinary strength, perseverance and determination in the  most trying of times. He also stated that in addressing the United Nations, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur  Rahman eloquently ushered in fresh ideas for building a world free from economic inequalities, social  injustice, and the threats of nuclear war. In the reception, the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul  Muhith delivered welcome remarks and mentioned that even after the war of liberation that has caused  unprecedented destruction in human and other capitals, Bangladesh was able to demonstrate remarkable  resilience and achieve tremendous success, in its development trajectory. Especially over the last decade,  under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has emerged as a role  model for development.   Ambassador Muhith paid rich tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur  Rahman, three million martyrs, two hundred thousand woman victims of sexual violence and all heroic  freedom fighters-who made supreme sacrifice for Bangladesh’s great independence. He also expressed most  sincere gratitude to the friendly nations who accelerated Bangladesh’s victory by extending all possible  support to us-both at the battlefield and at the diplomatic front.

  Both President of the General Assembly and the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh referred to  the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s membership to the United Nations. Ambassador Muhith further  mentioned that guided by the famous dictum of our Father of the Nation: ‘Friendship to all, malice towards  none’, Bangladesh joined the UN family 50 years ago and made multilateralism an absolute priority. He also  reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to make value-driven contribution to all important UN discourses.  The event was attended by around 150 Permanent Representatives, high officials of the UN  Secretariat, international media personalities, think tank and other dignitaries. The event started with hoisting  of national flag and playing the national anthem. The guests were served iftar-dinner with traditional  Bangladeshi cuisine.