The High Commission of Bangladesh in the United Kingdom (UK) yesterday celebrated Bangladesh's graduation to a developing country in Baden-Powell House in Central London.

Anne Main MP, chairperson of All Party Parliamentary Group on Bangladesh at the UK Houses of Parliament, was present as the guest of honour while Fergus Auld, head of South Asia Department of UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Joel Harding, senior governance adviser for Bangladesh of UK DFID, were present as special guests, said a press release.

The programme was chaired by High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK Md Nazmul Quaunine. The Commercial Counsellor of the Mission SM Jakaria Huq presented the keynote paper highlighting the context, triggers behind Bangladesh's successes, challenges and prospects for the future. 

British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce (BBCC), UK Bangladesh Catalysts of Commerce and Industry (UKBCCI), Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA), and Welsh Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce (WBCC) were represented, among others, in the celebration as business bodies based in the UK.

About 200 people attended the celebration, including leaders of the community, journalists, businessmen, personalities from media and academia, cultural activists and other dignitaries.

A cultural programme was also held at the programme to showcase the rich heritage of Bangladesh.