Lyna Mohamad
Friendship between Brunei Darussalam and Bangladesh are based on mutual respect, trust and cultural similarities, which have been strengthened further over the past year.
This was stated by High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Brunei Darussalam Nahida Rahman Shumona during Bangladesh’s 51st Independence and National Day reception at the Songket Ballroom of The Rizqun International Hotel yesterday.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong was the guest of honour.
“Our heartfelt gratitude goes to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the care and hospitality extended to Bangladeshis as well as the people of Brunei during these trying times,” the high commissioner said.
There are approximately 20,000 Bangladeshis residing in the Sultanate working in several professions including the oil and gas sector, medical sector and infrastructural development and landscaping sectors.
The high commissioner added that there are also several Bangladeshi students at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) and Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA).
She acknowledged UTB’s support in establishing the Bangabandhu-Bangladesh Book Corner in UTB Library, where books about Bangladesh are available for reference and studying.
The Bangladesh High Commission also had supported initiatives by the Brunei Government to promote green efforts.
“Our commitment to protect and preserve the environment brought us together with the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. We planted 101 saplings in Bandar Seri Begawan to mark the birth centenary of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in July last year,” Shumona said.
In the defence sector, both nations had exchange officers to undertake courses, with the recent one being Bangladesh’s Major Rakib completing a course at the Brunei Staff College.
Another Bangladeshi military officer is attending the same course.
“We participated in the International Night of the Defence Staff College and we look forward to having Bruneian officers in our staff college. Our high commission supported and organised several events to create awareness on workers’ safety, business promotion, women’s rights, and language and cultural diversity. We worked to bring focus on these issues, and we are grateful to our partners from Brunei for their support,” she said.
The Bangabandhu Youth Development Initiative, named Diplomat for a Day, a joint initiative with Legislative Council member and Brunei Youth Council President Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari brought 10 Bruneian youth to become Bangladesh diplomats for a day, allowing them to learn about diplomacy.
The high commissioner also thanked the Brunei Government for giving free COVID-19 vaccination to Bangladesh expatriates on a priority basis during the second wave of the outbreak.
“I am proud to mention that Bangladeshi doctors are part of the incredible workforce. Our prayers for sound health, long life and well-being of His Majesty, and members of the royal family. We wish the wonderful people of Brunei continued happiness, peace and prosperity,” she said.
The reception also saw a cake-cutting ceremony by Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali and the high commissioner.
