Remembering martyrs and renewing partnerships, the Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in Dhaka celebrated the 63rd Anniversary of its National Independence Day with solemn reverence and festive diplomacy.
This year, the inspiring theme is, “Our Algeria… The Legacy of the Martyrs and the Glory of the Loyal.”
The celebration began with a ceremonial flag-hoisting by Dr Abdelouahab SAIDANI, Ambassador of Algeria to Bangladesh, at the embassy premises.
All diplomats, embassy staff, and guests gathered to honour the memory of Algeria’s freedom fighters and reflect on the enduring values of independence, said a media release on Saturday.
The formal reception programme welcomed Home and Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury as the chief guest, and BM Jamal Hossain, director general (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the special guest.
In his keynote speech, the Home and Agriculture Adviser praised Algeria’s historic liberation struggle, calling it a symbol of resistance and a beacon of inspiration for oppressed peoples worldwide.
He highlighted Algeria’s early recognition of Bangladesh after its 1971 independence and outlined growing bilateral opportunities in agriculture, especially in fertiliser trade, dryland farming, and agricultural technology exchange.
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury also emphasised Bangladesh’s expertise in rice and jute cultivation and proposed expanding trade in mangoes, tea, and tropical fruits, noting Algeria’s favourable climate and market potential.
In a passionate and eloquent address, Ambassador Abdelouahab SAIDANI paid tribute to Algeria’s martyrs, recalling the sacrifice of 1.5 million lives during the 1954–1962 War of Liberation. He underscored Algeria’s dual strategy of armed resistance and diplomatic engagement, which led to the Evian Accords and eventual independence on July 5, 1962.
He highlighted Algeria’s post-independence achievements in education, health, and infrastructure, and its global role as a strong advocate for anti-colonial movements and multilateral diplomacy.
The Ambassador emphasised Algeria’s current contributions to regional peace and economic modernisation, citing recent legal reforms that have boosted foreign direct investment to $8.6 billion in 2024.
SAIDANI also reiterated Algeria’s unwavering support for Palestine and Western Sahara, and its commitment to building stronger South-South cooperation, especially with Bangladesh.
He commended the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Algeria and Bangladesh—established in 1971—and welcomed the growing engagements through the Algeria–Bangladesh Business Forum.
Both leaders expressed hope for upcoming high-level visits and joint ventures, reaffirming a shared vision for peace, prosperity, and development in the Global South.
The programme concluded with a warm reception featuring Algerian hospitality and cultural elements.
As the Algerian and Bangladeshi flags flew side by side, the day stood as a celebration of friendship, freedom, and the enduring legacy of martyrs, it added.
bd-pratidin/GR
