DHAKA: Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok celebrated the 44th Anniversary of the Independence Day of Bangladesh on 26 March 2015 with due fervor and festivity.

The program of the day commenced with the hoisting of the national flag at full mast by Ambassador Saida Muna Tasneem in the morning at the Chancery premises.

A special prayer was offered for the salvation of the departed soul of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders and the martyrs of liberation war of Bangladesh.

In the evening, a reception was held at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel where Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand graced the occasion as the ‘Guest of Honour’.

Members of business community including Thai companies and MNCs, academicians, print and electronic media personalities and cultural personalities, and Bangladesh community living in Thailand also attended the program.

An art exhibition on artwork of five celebrated women artists of Bangladesh including Rokeya Sultana, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Nazia Andaleeb Preema, Maksuda Iqbal Nipa, Sulekha Chaudhury was also organized by the Embassy at the same hotel.

During the Reception, a cultural programme was organized where popular singer Shakila Zafar rendered a Thai song Ton Mai Khong Por, the tree of the father as a tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand wishing him an early recovery to good health as a token of affection from the people of Bangladesh.

A dance ensemble depicting the civilizational history and harmony of Bangladesh 'The rhythm and harmony of Bangladesh" by Warda Rihab and her Dhriti Nartanalaya was presented to the audience.

Many Thai dignitaries including Mom Rajawong Thepkamol Devakula, Member of the Privy Council to the King of Thailand, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Thai Navy Chief and Deputy Chief, a Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ambassadors and other members of diplomatic corps, many Heads of Regional and International Organizations based in Bangkok were present.

BDST: 2105 HRS, MAR 27, 2015