Bangladesh High Commission, Colombo

The Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo observed the 55th Anniversary of the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh with due fervor and festivity on 26 March 2026.

The day commenced at the chancery with the ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag.

In the evening, a reception was hosted at The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo, attended by around 500 distinguished guests. Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P., Minister of Health and Mass Media of Sri Lanka, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The event was further honored by the presence of former Presidents and Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka, Ministers, former Speakers of Parliament, Deputy Speaker, Governors of the Provinces, Members of Parliament, heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of international organizations, Senior civil and military bureaucrats, business leaders, media professionals, and members of civil society.

The distinguished guests were enthralled by a cultural performance presented during the event.

The celebration also received wide media coverage, with special supplements published in four leading English dailies of Sri Lanka.

On March 25, Bangladesh remembers one of the darkest chapters in its history, a brutal military crackdown that marked the beginning of the 1971 genocide.

The country observes Genocide Day with due solemnity, commemorating the atrocities carried out on the night of March 25, 1971.

On the occasion, Hon'ble President and Hon'ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh issued separate messages.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman reaffirmed Bangladesh’s steadfast commitment to combating racism in all its forms, emphasizing the country’s signing of all relevant international conventions on racism and racial discrimination.

On 23 March 2026, while addressing a commemorative meeting of the United Nations General Assembly marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, he called for strengthened global efforts to eliminate racism, promote equality, and uphold human dignity.

Highlighting ongoing racial injustices in Rakhine and Gaza, Dr. Rahman underscored that the global community is still far from realizing the goals of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

Foreign Minister also highlighted the challenges faced by migrant workers worldwide, including exclusion, exploitation, and limited access to justice, which undermine the core values of the United Nations.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s constitutional commitment to equality and human rights, Dr. Rahman underlined efforts to promote inclusivity, peaceful coexistence, and stronger human rights institutions while calling for greater investment in education, decisive action against hate speech and enhanced intercultural dialogue to build a world free from racism.

Hon’ble President and Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh have issued respective messages on the occasion of ‘Holy Eid-ul-Fitr’.

Video message from Hon’ble Prime Minister:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDRT01i6XHo

Observance of International Mother Day 2026 in

The Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo celebrated International Mother Language Day 2026 on 13 March 2026, bringing together more than 600 participants from the Government of Sri Lanka, diplomatic missions, international organizations, educators, students, and civil society under the theme “Languages Unite: Diverse Voices, Shared Humanity.”

The event was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka, the United Nations in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association, and the Sri Lanka Scouts Association.

The programme was graced by Hon’ble Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as Chief Guest and began with a solemn tribute to the Language Martyrs of 1952, whose sacrifice continues to inspire the global movement for linguistic rights and cultural dignity.

As part of the celebration, the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka organized an island-wide student competition in , Writing, and Short Production ( and ). Fifteen winners were recognized and awarded during the event.

he programme also featured a vibrant segment with performances by the Embassy of Germany, Embassy of Japan, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the Indian High Commission, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Maldivian Educational and Cultural Centre, Russian House in Colombo, Embassy of Vietnam, SAARC Cultural Centre, University of Visual and Performing Arts (Sri Lanka), Sri Lanka Girl Guides, Muslim Choral Ensemble of Sri Lanka.

The observance highlighted the universal importance of protecting and promoting mother languages, cultural diversity, and multilingual education, while reaffirming 🇧🇩 historic contribution to advancing linguistic rights worldwide.

কলম্বোস্থ বাংলাদেশ হাইকমিশন যথাযোগ্য মর্যাদা ও ভাবগাম্ভীর্যের সঙ্গে মহান শহীদ দিবস ও আন্তর্জাতিক মাতৃভাষা দিবস ২০২৬ পালন করেছে।

সকালে দূতাবাস প্রাঙ্গণে ভাষা শহীদদের স্মরণে এক মিনিট নীরবতা পালনের মাধ্যমে কর্মসূচির সূচনা হয়। পরবর্তীতে মাননীয় রাষ্ট্রপতি, মাননীয় প্রধানমন্ত্রী, মাননীয় পররাষ্ট্রমন্ত্রী ও মাননীয় পররাষ্ট্র প্রতিমন্ত্রীর বাণী পাঠ করা হয়।

এরপর দিবসটির ঐতিহাসিক প্রেক্ষাপট ও তাৎপর্য তুলে ধরে এক আলোচনা সভা অনুষ্ঠিত হয়। বাংলাদেশ হাইকমিশনার জনাব আন্দালিব ইলিয়াস মহান শহীদ দিবস ও আন্তর্জাতিক মাতৃভাষা দিবসের চিরন্তন গুরুত্ব তুলে ধরে বক্তব্য প্রদান করেন।

অনুষ্ঠানের সমাপ্তি ঘটে ভাষা শহীদদের আত্মার মাগফিরাত কামনা এবং দেশের অব্যাহত শান্তি, অগ্রগতি ও সমৃদ্ধি কামনায় বিশেষ দোয়া ও প্রার্থনার মাধ্যমে।

The Bangladesh High Commissioner, Mr. Andalib Elias, saw off Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Hon’ble Minister of Health and Mass Media of Sri Lanka, at the Colombo airport this morning as he departed for Dhaka to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new of Bangladesh with H.E. Mr. Tarique Rahman as the on 17 February 2026.

H.E. Mr. Tarique Rahman will assume office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh following the landslide victory of under his leadership in the 13th .

The participation of the Sri Lankan Minister at this historic occasion underscores the strong and friendly bilateral relations between 🇧🇩 and 🇱🇰.

Happy Independence Day, Sri Lanka! 🇱🇰
Shubha Swadhinata Dibôsh!

On this joyous occasion of the Independence Day of Sri Lanka, the Bangladesh High Commission extends heartfelt greetings to the Government and people of Sri Lanka.

The Hon’ble President and Hon’ble Chief Adviser of Bangladesh have conveyed warm and respectful messages to His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka, reaffirming the longstanding bonds of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect between our two nations.

May the ties between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka continue to grow stronger, fostering peace, prosperity, and shared progress for our peoples.