Vice President Faisal Naseem has extended appreciation to the government of Bangladesh for its numerous contributions to the national development of the Maldives and assured of the administration's continued commitment to remain a time-tested friend of Bangladesh. He made these remarks while addressing a function held in Hotel Jen to mark the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh.
Speaking about the strong bonds between the two countries, Vice President Naseem emphasised the contributions of Bangladeshi expatriate workers to the socioeconomic development of the Maldives. He assured that the administration remains steadfast in protecting the rights of Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives.
Additionally, Vice President Naseem highlighted the rich history and culture of Bangladesh. He added that the peoples of the two countries shared a close bond based on shared customs and cultures, goodwill, and interests in trade and maritime affairs, even before the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1978 and before the two attained independence.
Furthermore, Vice President Naseem highlighted the enormous sacrifices made for the liberation and independence of Bangladesh by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He added that the establishment of Bangladesh in 1971 resulted from the inspiring leadership and unflinching dedication to the justice of Bangabandhu.
Vice President Naseem also noted that a momentous speech from Bangabandhu on March 7, 1971, in which he asked for every house to turn into a fortress in the struggle for independence, had been included in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Memory of the World Register.
The Maldives and Bangladesh established diplomatic relations on September 22, 1978.