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Dhaka, April 15, 2025 — The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka held a grand reception on Sunday evening to mark the 85th National Day of Pakistan, commemorating the historic Lahore Resolution adopted on 23rd March 1940. The event, hosted by H.E. Syed Ahmed Maroof, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh, took place at the Grand Ballroom on the 14th floor of Le Méridien Hotel and was attended by distinguished guests from the diplomatic corps, government officials, academics, business leaders, and members of the media.
The Chief Guest of the evening was Mr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Honourable Adviser on Education to the Interim Government of Bangladesh. The event began with the national anthems of both Pakistan and Bangladesh, followed by an address from the High Commissioner.
In his keynote speech, High Commissioner Syed Ahmed Maroof welcomed the guests and expressed deep gratitude for their presence at the commemorative occasion. “It is my great honour and privilege to welcome you all at the reception which has been organized to commemorate the 85th National Day of Pakistan,” he said. He highlighted the significance of Pakistan Day, paying tribute to the founding fathers of Pakistan, including Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haq — a Bengali leader who famously presented the Lahore Resolution — and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who led its implementation.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s journey since its independence in 1947, the High Commissioner noted the country’s progress in various sectors, including agriculture, climate resilience, trade, science, and technology. “In our march towards development, we have faced many challenges. But our resilience has always outmaneuvered these hurdles,” he said, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to the vision of its founding leaders.
A central theme of the speech was the growing momentum in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. High Commissioner Maroof described the ties between the two nations as rooted in “common faith, shared history, cultural traditions, and mutual respect.” He welcomed the recent progress in bilateral cooperation across multiple domains — from trade and education to cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity.
He also acknowledged the role of the current interim government of Bangladesh under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus in fostering a positive and enabling environment for the growth of bilateral relations. “All these developments indicate that the affinities between our two countries remain ever so strong, they never weakened and stood the test of time,” he said.
Emphasizing a future-oriented approach, the High Commissioner expressed confidence that both nations, with continued engagement and mutual trust, would not only overcome challenges but also pioneer new paths for regional peace and prosperity. “Our common aspirations for peace, prosperity, connectivity, and development hold the promise of transforming South Asia and improving the lives of nearly two billion people,” he remarked.
The evening concluded with a networking dinner featuring a spread of traditional Pakistani delicacies, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the country. Guests were also treated to a cultural presentation showcasing Pakistan’s diverse and vibrant traditions.
As the event drew to a close, the High Commissioner ended his address with a heartfelt wish for the future of bilateral relations: “May the bonds between Pakistan and Bangladesh grow from strength to strength. Pakistan Zindabad!”
