The Independence and National Day was celebrated at Bangladesh missions abroad in a befitting manner through holding various programmes.
The programmes included hoisting of the national flag, paying homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreath at his portrait,
observing a minute of silence, and holding special prayers seeking divine blessings for eternal peace of the departed souls of the 1971 martyrs and for continued development, peace and progress of the country.
Messages from Bangladesh president, prime minister, foreign minister and state minister for foreign affairs were read out in observance of the day.
Bangladesh Mission in Sri Lanka held a special reception to mark the Independence Day and 50 years of Bangladesh- Sri Lanka diplomat relations, said a release received here.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his spouse Shiranthi Rajapaksa attended the function.
He joined the Bangladesh High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Tareq Md Ariful Islam, in cutting a cake, wishing long-lasting friendship between the two countries, the release added.
A large number of high dignitaries including speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, cabinet ministers, parliament members, political leaders, heads of diplomatic missions as well as professionals, business leaders and Bangladesh community members also attended the function.
Similar programmes were observed at Bangladesh mission in Rome yesterday.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy Md Shamim Ahsan at a special discussion highlighted the diversified political life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, glorious history of the liberation war and the diligent efforts of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in transforming the country into 'Sonar Bangla', as dreamt by Bangabandhu, said a release here.
Later, a cultural function was staged by a group of children.
