Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun on Wednesday said the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties will be a "springboard" to take Bangladesh-South Korea relations to a new height.
Stressing that 2023 will be a milestone to elevate Bangladesh-South Korea partnership to a new height with a series of events, Ambassador Lee wished "wide and active participation" of the citizens of the two countries.
"Let's celebrate it together, let's make it together and let's work together for the brighter future of the Korea-Bangladesh ties," he said.
The Ambassador was speaking at an event unveiling the 50th anniversary logo which signifies the friendship between Bangladesh and South Korea.
The government of the Republic of Korea and the People's Republic of Bangladesh unveiled the official logo for the 50th anniversary of Korea-Bangladesh diplomatic relations in 2023 at the award-giving ceremony of the logo design contest at the premise of the Korean Embassy.
Through this event officially a year-long celebration of the 50th diplomatic anniversary began.
Mashfee Binte Shams, Secretary (East), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, joined the occasion as the chief guest and congratulated the winners.
Saber Hossain Choudury, MP, Ryu Young-oh, President of the Korean Community in Bangladesh, among others, were present.
Korea recognized the newly independent Bangladesh in May 1972 and established consular relations in September 1973 and finally diplomatic relations in December 1973.
"It is from today that we'll start the year-long celebration of our diplomatic anniversary. There will be many programs and events for the next one year to celebrate our anniversary. Today this ceremony is the start and the first official ceremony for the celebration," said Ambassador Lee.
Sharing the three goals or wishes he is having in mind to celebrate this diplomatic year, the envoy said, "First, I wish to document the story and history of our relations during the past five decades."
He hoped that this anniversary is not just for the government but for all the people of Korea and Bangladesh.
"I do wish that all Bangladesh and Korean people will actively join in our celebration. And it is the very reason why we have implemented this logo design contest," he said.
The Ambassador said he is planning to work closely with the Korean community in Bangladesh in line with the celebration.
"Already, the Korean community in Bangladesh declared the first week of March as Korean Week and plans to host several celebration events. There will be K-pop performances, a business fair and Korea Cup Golf Tournament," he said.
The Ambassador urged the journalists to play an important role. "Media has a crucial role to play and I ask for your support and advice to make it happen."
"Logo Contest for the 50th Anniversary of Korea-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations" was co-organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dhaka and the Embassy of the People's Republic of Bangladesh in Seoul from July to October, 2022 in preparation of the 50th anniversary of the two countries diplomatic ties in 2023.
Around 60 logos were submitted for the contest and 4 logos have been selected by the contest review panel consisting of dignitaries from Bangladesh government, university professors, Korean community members and diplomats of the two Embassies.
First prize went to Hasanul Bari Al Zobayer who received a Samsung Galaxy Z fold 4 as a prize.
Other three runners-up are Jannati Naeyma, Md. Sadik Jamal Kowshik and Md. Billal Hossain Faisal who received Samsung Galaxy watch 5.
