UNB :
With the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-UK relations and the two countries’ ties going through the Commonwealth, the arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Bangladesh is another important milestone of “Brit Bangla Bondhon”, said British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson.
“The Baton Relay has been an essential part of the Commonwealth Games for over 60 years and celebrates communities from across the Commonwealth during the run up to the Games,” said the High Commissioner.
The British envoy made the remarks at a reception hosted by the British High Commission on Friday evening to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay to Bangladesh.
The Baton was carried to the High Commission by celebrated Bangladeshi sport shooters Abdullah Hel Baki and Shakil Ahmed, where they were welcomed by British High Commissioner Dickson, alongside the President of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) and Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed.
“We feel really honored in Bangladesh as the Baton has reached us,” said the BOA President, adding that he will be very happy if Bangladesh can come up with a good number of medals.” ‘I’m looking forward to that.”
The UK is hosting Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Birmingham 2022 will bring together 6,500 athletes and team officials from the Commonwealth countries in a spirit of friendly competition and a celebration of the Commonwealth family’s rich diversity and shared goals of democracy, development and peace.
After Bangladesh, the Baton Relay will travel to India on January 10, said the High Commission on Saturday.
The British envoy said it ignites hope, solidarity, and collaboration as it connects communities embracing unique cultures and inspires the next generation of sporting heroes.
The reception was attended by several renowned sports persons in Bangladesh, representatives of the Bangladesh government, different civil society organisations, youth groups, British businesses, and heads of missions of the Commonwealth countries in Bangladesh.
The 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay arrived in Dhaka on Thursday as it continued its global journey around the 72 Commonwealth nations and territories before concluding at the opening ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on July 28.
The arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay will amplify moments of celebration in Bangladesh with its golden jubilee of independence, and offer opportunities for reflection and connection, galvanizing the future potential of the Commonwealth.
The Baton will visit the National Martyrs’ Monument, the Bangladesh Army Stadium and Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), the national sports institute of the country.
The Baton will also visit the Bangladesh Olympic Association and Shaheed Bir Uttam Lt. Anwar Girls’ School and College.
Throughout, Baton bearers, athletes and others will share stories of striving for change in their communities.
