The 70th anniversary of the “Outbreak of the Glorious Revolution of National Liberation of Algeria” was commemorated on Friday night at the Algerian Embassy in Dhaka with a banquet that was attended by public personalities from various fields, diplomats, and dignitaries.
Held at a major hotel, the ceremony honoured the momentous November 1, 1954, when the revolution’s opening shots were fired, starting a seven-year conflict that finally resulted in Algeria’s independence from French colonial control.
Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S. Murshid, the event’s main guest, discussed the historical ties between Bangladesh and Algeria, pointing out that Algeria was the first Arab country to recognise Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.
She noted that bilateral ties continue to strengthen and urged both nations to explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Murshid highlighted the hope for more expansion of cooperation in important industries and emphasised the significance of moving forward with all pending agreements between the two nations.
Dr. Abdelouahab Saidani, the Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh, discussed the importance of the Algerian Revolution in his speech, saying that the momentous occasion not only represents Algeria’s freedom but also served as inspiration for international movements for independence and self-determination.
He highlighted the Algerian Revolution’s lasting impact and hailed it as a global decolonisation catalyst.
Ambassador Saidani also recounted Bangladesh’s participation in the 1973 Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Algiers and Algeria’s instrumental support to Bangladesh’s membership in the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in 1974.
“Relations between Algeria and Bangladesh continue to develop and flourish, thanks to the relentless commitment of the leaders of the two countries to enhance consultations and exchanges across various sectors,” he said.
According to the ambassador, Bangladesh and Algeria are still committed to advancing a more equitable international system and tackling today’s issues.
According to him, the two nations have been collaborating to improve their bilateral ties, and Algeria just approved four important draft agreements in the fields of agriculture and water resources, which are among a total of 20 possible accords.
Ambassador Saidani reiterated Algeria’s commitment to helping Bangladesh achieve peace and prosperity.
The significance of the event for both countries is demonstrated by the attendance of Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser for Shipping, Textiles, and Jute, and Farida Akhter, Adviser for Fisheries and Livestock.
The event was also attended by political leaders, journalists, and diplomats stationed in Dhaka, underscoring the significance of the Algerian Revolution in fostering a legacy of international solidarity and cooperation.
