A 14-member group of students from the Abuja-based Gratem Montessori School,Kubwa visited the High Commission of Bangladesh in Nigeria on 10 June, 2019 to familiarise themselves with Bangladesh. The Head Teacher and 4 teachers accompanied them.
Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan,ndc, High Commissioner warmly welcomed them and gave an overview on the War of Liberation, history,culture, heritage, development journey, religious harmony, and on the role of Bangladesh in the international arena. Love for music, sports and food, passion for football&cricketof the people of Bangladesh also came up. Voice of moderation, secular fabric of the society, democratic credentials and longing for peace characterised the nation- the audience was told by the High Commissioner. While touching on commonalities between the two countries including colonial past, Mr. Ahsan also spoke on cordial bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Nigeria. His presentation was followed by screening of a documentary on Bangladesh. The presentation generated huge interest among the young students and the visit turned into a lively interactive session. The High Commissioner responded to the queries of the inquisitive students. The young learners were encouraged to know how Bangladesh is making miracles in various sectors turningit a “Role Model” country in the worldunder the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to make Bangladesh a Golden Bengal as dreamt by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The students and the faculty members received packets containing souvenirs from Bangladesh and some publications. The High Commissioner handed over a copy of the autobiography (The Unfinished Memoir) written by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and few other publications for the library of the School.
Mr. KanmiOdukale, Head Teacher in his remarks warmly thanked the High Commission for hosting them and felt that such useful exchanges will go a long way to create greater understanding between the peoples of the two friendly countries.
The guests were served with traditional Bangladeshi cuisine. This is the first visit of any group of Nigerian students since the High Commission was opened in 2016. The Mission hosted the delegation as a part of its on-going public diplomacy drive to reach wider audience in Nigeria to brand Bangladesh positively.