Bangladesh marked its 55th Independence and Martyrs Day in Seoul on Tuesday.
Honoring the 1971 struggle while highlighting growing economic and strategic ties with South Korea, the Bangladeshi Embassy in Seoul commemorated the sacrifices of the Liberation War.
Bangladeshi Ambassador to South Korea Toufiq Islam Shatil led the ceremony, honoring freedom fighters and what he described as the contributions of 30 million people in the independence struggle.
He also referenced former President Ziaur Rahman and his “Bangladesh-first” foreign policy doctrine.
Rahman’s “Bangladesh-first” foreign policy, declared in 1977, underlined sovereignty, self-reliance and balanced diplomacy under “friendship with all, enmity with none" and reduced external dependence.
“Long live Bangladesh, long live the Republic of Korea, and long live Bangladesh-Korea friendship,” he said, using the formal term for South Korea.
South Korea’s Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Lim Sang-woo said the occasion marked a pivotal moment for Bangladesh following the formation of a new government after February elections.
He praised Bangladesh’s democratic resilience and economic growth, stressing national unity and shared historical experiences.
"Common heritage has created an enduring sense of empathy between our peoples,” Lim stressed, noting the Trade Investment Promotion Framework and ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Since diplomatic ties in 1973, the two countries have broadened cooperation across trade, development and labor mobility. Korea is now among Bangladesh’s top investors, with about $1.56 billion in foreign direct investment across more than 150 companies, including major investments by Youngone Corp.
More than 13,000 Bangladeshi workers are currently employed in South Korea under the EPS scheme.
South Korea’s Employment Permit System, launched in 2004, was highlighted as a key pillar of cooperation, with up to 130,000 foreign workers expected in 2025, including thousands from Bangladesh in manufacturing and construction.
The event concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
sanjaykumar@heraldcorp.com
