The Europe Bangladesh Federation of Commerce and Industry (EBFCI) hosted a high-profile installation celebration and business networking reception in Dhaka to mark the appointment of Dr. Wali Tasar Uddin as Honorary Consul of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Scotland.
The event, held at a city hotel in Uttara, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, policymakers, business leaders, academics and legal professionals at a time when Bangladesh is seeking to deepen economic diplomacy and expand global trade partnerships.
Dr. Wali Tasar Uddin, who also serves as President of EBFCI, was formally honoured during the programme, which highlighted EBFCI’s growing role in promoting cross-border trade, investment and institutional cooperation between Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, Europe and other global partners.
Opening the event, Mohammad Ali Tinku, Country Head of EBFCI – Bangladesh Region, underlined the importance of coordinated engagement between the public and private sectors to strengthen Bangladesh’s international economic presence.
The gathering observed a minute of silence in remembrance of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Sharif Osman Bin Hadi of Inqilab Moncho, and the martyrs of the July 2024 uprising.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Wali Tasar Uddin said, “We must do something meaningful for our country. Those who do good work will be remembered for it, people will pray for them, and ultimately we will all have to face our Creator. He emphasized that, as human beings, we carry a responsibility beyond personal success. Even those of us who live outside Bangladesh are, at our core, Bangladeshis and therefore have a duty to contribute positively to our homeland.”
He also expressed his appreciation for the young generation of Bangladesh, noting that they are doing commendable work for the country and that we are truly grateful for their efforts.
A senior representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally recognised Dr. Uddin’s diplomatic appointment and reaffirmed the government’s support for economic diplomacy.
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From the business and industrial sector, Faruque Hassan, former President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Chairman of Giant Group and Honorary Consul General of Greece in Bangladesh, emphasised Dr. Uddin’s longstanding engagement with Europe and his potential role in further strengthening business ties between Scotland and Bangladesh. He also pointed to the need to reinforce backward linkages and revive both foreign and domestic investment to sustain growth and competitiveness in Bangladesh’s export-oriented economy.
Maksuda Chowdhury Misha, Managing Director of Stylish Garments Limited, Director of EBFCI and BPCCI, and Co-Chairman of the BGMEA Standing Committee She highlighted Mr. Tasar as her guardian, acknowledging that his guidance and support give her the courage to move forward. She emphasized that achieving sustainability is not an easy task and requires long-term commitment, strategic thinking, and strong support systems.
She said, “Some seniors mentioned, the involvement of institutions like the FDI is important in strengthening sustainability efforts. However, national entrepreneurs can play an equally critical role, as their investment and engagement ensure that the country’s wealth circulates within the nation, supporting local growth, innovation, and long-term economic stability.”
The event was also attended by Dr. Valerie Taylor, a British-Bangladeshi physiotherapist and the visionary founder of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), one of Bangladesh’s most respected healthcare and rehabilitation institutions. Speakers acknowledged her decades-long contribution to humanitarian service, disability rehabilitation and community development in Bangladesh, describing her work as a powerful example of people-to-people cooperation between Bangladesh and the UK.
Kafil Uddin, Chairman, Rashid Group and Joint Convener, Dhaka North BNP; Salauddin Chowdhury, Industrial Entrepreneur and Director, DBC Channel; Manzur Morshed, President, Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh; Barrister Abdullah Al Mamun, Senior Advocate and Chairman, Legal Education Committee, Bangladesh Bar Council; Air Commodore (Retd.) Mohammad Parvez Islam, Former Senior Officer, Bangladesh Air Force and UN Contingent Commander were present alongside senior government officials, diplomats, and industry leaders.
