Ref: 2025/PR/7

28 July 2025, Dhaka

The High Commission of the Republic of Maldives in Bangladesh hosted a reception at Sheraton Dhaka on 28 July 2025 to celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Maldives. The event brought together a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, diplomats, government officials, travel and tour operators and members of the Maldivian community residing in Dhaka.

His Excellency Dr. Asif Nazrul, Honourable Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest.

The formal proceedings commenced with a solemn minute of silence in memory of the victims of the recent tragic plane crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara, symbolising the shared grief and solidarity between the two nations. This was followed by the national anthems of the Maldives and Bangladesh.

In her address, Her Excellency Shiuneen Rasheed, High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to Bangladesh, reflected on the significance of the 60th Independence Day as a moment of national pride and resilience. She paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Maldivian people in their pursuit of self-determination and highlighted the Maldives' unwavering commitment to peace, democracy, and sustainable development. The High Commissioner also underlined the longstanding friendship between the Maldives and Bangladesh, reaffirming the Maldives’ appreciation for Bangladesh’s continued support in regional and bilateral spheres.

The Chief Guest, His Excellency Dr. Asif Nazrul, extended warm congratulations to the people and government of the Maldives on the auspicious occasion. In his remarks, he acknowledged the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and expressed hope for further strengthening of bilateral ties in the years to come.

A special highlight of the evening was the launch of a collaborative commemorative song featuring artists from both the Maldives and Bangladesh, symbolising cultural harmony and shared aspirations.

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Ref: 2025/PR/6

19 May 2025, Dhaka

High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed, held a meeting today with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, and senior university officials to discuss avenues for strengthening academic cooperation between Maldivian and Bangladeshi institutions.

The meeting, held at the University of Dhaka, focused on developing partnerships between the Maldives National University (MNU) and the University of Dhaka, with a particular emphasis on student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, and capacity building in key areas including environmental sciences, oceanography, tourism, and the blue economy. High Commissioner Shiuneen outlined the Maldives’ priorities in advancing higher education and research, and emphasised the importance of regional collaboration to address shared development challenges.

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Ref: 2025/PR/5

10 April 2025, Dhaka

High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed, delivered a keynote address today at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) as part of the BIISS Country Lecture Series titled "From Malé to Dhaka: Strengthening Bangladesh–Maldives Bilateral Cooperation."

In her remarks, High Commissioner Shiuneen underscored the enduring and dynamic partnership between the Maldives and Bangladesh, rooted in historical ties, mutual respect, and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

She highlighted the growing and increasingly multidimensional cooperation between the Maldives and Bangladesh, emphasising a multitude of interlinked sectors where collaboration continues to deepen and diversify, including trade, healthcare and defence and security partnerships. Notably, the High Commissioner emphasised the increasing economic engagement between the two nations, the steady growth in tourist arrivals from Bangladesh to the Maldives, and the vital contributions of Bangladeshi migrant workers in the Maldivian economy.

High Commissioner Shiuneen also stressed the importance of deepening collaboration in maritime security, disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and capacity-building. She proposed a forward-looking agenda that includes enhanced air connectivity, increased people-to-people exchanges, joint ventures in tourism and services, and expanded educational cooperation.

In reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, the High Commissioner praised Bangladesh’s role in regional stability and development, and acknowledged the two countries’ shared leadership in multilateral platforms such as the UN, SAARC, IORA, and the OIC.

The lecture was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, academics, and members of the strategic and policy community.

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