Singapore Celebrates 61st National Day in Dhaka, Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Bangladesh Ties

Photo: CNI

Diplomatic Correspondent: The High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Dhaka celebrated Singapore’s 61st National Day with a reception held at the Sheraton Dhaka, bringing together diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and distinguished guests to commemorate Singapore’s independence and celebrate the longstanding friendship between Singapore and Bangladesh.

‎The reception was hosted by Mr Mitchel Lee, Chargé d’Affaires of the Singapore High Commission, who highlighted the significance of Singapore’s National Day and reflected on the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
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‎This year marks not only Singapore’s 61st year of independence but also the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Singapore National Pledge, a symbol of the nation’s commitment to unity, multiculturalism, democracy, justice, and equality. Mr Lee said these values continue to guide Singapore in an increasingly challenging global environment and remain relevant for countries such as Bangladesh in their pursuit of sustainable development and progress.
‎Speaking at the event, Mr Lee expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s partnership with Singapore over the past decades. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in February 1972, shortly after Bangladesh’s independence.
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‎He noted that a key pillar of bilateral relations has traditionally been the contribution of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Singapore’s construction and marine sectors. Despite the relatively smaller workforce compared to some other destination countries, remittances sent from Singapore continue to make a meaningful contribution to Bangladesh’s economy.
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‎Highlighting economic cooperation, Mr Lee said bilateral trade in goods reached approximately S$3.9 billion in 2025, equivalent to around US$3 billion, while cumulative Singapore investment in Bangladesh stood at about S$3 billion. He emphasized that there remains significant potential to further expand economic collaboration.
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‎He also referred to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Trade and Investment Cooperation signed in November 2022, which provides a framework for closer economic engagement, including the establishment of a joint working group exploring future cooperation opportunities, including a possible Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
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‎According to Mr Lee, Singapore remains keen to partner with Bangladesh in areas such as port management, logistics, aviation, digital economy, and capacity building.
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‎Beyond trade and investment, Mr Lee highlighted several initiatives undertaken during his tenure to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two countries. These included educational talks at universities, visa and consular networking sessions, Singapore cooking workshops at the National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (NHTTI), film screenings, and the first Singapore-Bangladesh art exhibition featuring artists from both countries.
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‎He also mentioned Singapore’s efforts to share experiences in governance and development through the Singapore Cooperation Programme, as well as initiatives such as donating Singapore-related books to the Bangladesh National Library and Archives.
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‎Mr Lee expressed confidence in the future of bilateral relations and welcomed his successor, Mr Philip Ong, who has recently been appointed as the new Chargé d’Affaires of the Singapore High Commission in Dhaka.
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‎Reflecting on his two years in Bangladesh, Mr Lee thanked guests for their friendship and support, saying that many professional relationships had developed into lasting personal friendships. He will continue his diplomatic service in San Francisco after completing his assignment in Dhaka.
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‎New Singapore Chargé d’Affaires Philip Ong Pledges to Deepen Bilateral Partnership
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‎Addressing the reception, Mr Philip Ong, the newly appointed Chargé d’Affaires of Singapore to Bangladesh, said he was pleased that one of his first official engagements after arriving in Dhaka was to participate in Singapore’s National Day celebration.
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‎Mr Ong praised Mr Lee and the Singapore High Commission team for strengthening Singapore’s engagement with Bangladesh over the past two years and building strong friendships with stakeholders across the country.
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‎He said his mission would be to deepen, diversify, and dynamically grow the Singapore-Bangladesh relationship. This marks his first posting in South Asia, following previous diplomatic assignments in Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei.
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‎Mr Ong said Singapore and Bangladesh will celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, adding that Singapore will also assume the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2027.
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‎He expressed his intention to work closely with partners in Bangladesh to explore new areas of cooperation and further strengthen the people-to-people ties developed over the past five decades.
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‎*Singapore Showcases Culinary Heritage*
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‎The National Day reception also featured Singapore’s rich multicultural cuisine, reflecting the country’s diverse heritage. Guests enjoyed traditional Singaporean dishes including Laksa, Beef Rendang, Chili Prawn, and Chicken Rice.
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‎Mr Ong introduced Chef Daniel Liu from Singapore, who prepared the evening’s special menu and will also conduct a Singapore cooking workshop at the National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute during his visit.
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‎Chef Daniel brings more than a decade of professional culinary experience from Singapore, including work in professional kitchens, operating his own food business, and training aspiring chefs.
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‎The celebration concluded with appreciation from the Singapore High Commission to all guests for their continued friendship and support, reaffirming the commitment of both countries to further strengthen cooperation and partnership in the years ahead.