Commonwealth Day 2025 and its significance in Bangladesh

Dr. Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan: The Commonwealth of Nations is built on shared values and principles that promote peace, democracy, and development among its 56 member states Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration observed by millions across the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe.

Commonwealth Day 2025 is being celebrated across the Commonwealth today on 10 March with events and activities taking place throughout March, including civic and faith gatherings, school assemblies, debates, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural celebrations.

The Commonwealth of Nations, often referred to as the British Commonwealth or simply the Commonwealth, is an international association of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire from which it developed. They are connected through their use of the English language and historical-cultural ties.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Commonwealth Secretariat, the executive arm of the association.

Commonwealth Day Theme

This year’s theme, ‘Together We Thrive’, celebrates the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family – 56 independent member countries united by shared values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.

Rooted in the principles of family, unity and peace, the theme highlights the importance of fostering strong and connected communities that support and empower their members, enabling meaningful progress.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said:

Commonwealth Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to the principles of unity, peace, and equality. This year’s theme, Together We Thrive’, encapsulates the strength of the Commonwealth Family – a network of nations working together to uplift all citizens and build a future defined by opportunity and resilience.

The Commonwealth Advantage, a 21% reduction in trade costs between member countries, attributed to shared language, legal systems, and institutional frameworks, which facilitates easier and more efficient trade and investment, is built on a shared commitment to democracy, human rights and sustainable development.

Commonwealth Day activities and resources

Across the Commonwealth, countries will mark the day with readings of the Commonwealth Proclamation, educational initiatives, and events to increase awareness of the Commonwealth’s values and achievements.

Looking ahead

As the Commonwealth Family reflects on this year’s theme, ‘Together We Thrive’, it renews its commitment to building a future where all 2.7 billion Commonwealth citizens can live in societies that are safe, equitable, and united by a spirit of peace and partnership.

The Commonwealth (of Nations), in its current structure is a unique voluntary association of 56 diverse, independent states constituting through a largely informal network of governmental and non-governmental links. Today, its membership comprises all types of states, presidential and parliamentary, monarchical and republican, all of whom were once under British colonial rule and spread all over the globe.

From Africa to India, from Pacific shores to the Caribbean, the Commonwealth’s 1.6 billion people make up a quarter of the world’s population, while half of the members are small states with populations of under a million people. They belong to many races, religions and language groups in both the developing and developed world.

The Commonwealth has no charter or constitutional structure. It functions on the basis of certain principles, procedures, conventions and occasional statements of trust and commitments to nations agreed upon by consensus. It also promotes a series of common values such as equality, indiscrimination among nations, democracy and rule of law.

Inter-governmental consultation is the cardinal source of guidance through which the Commonwealth Secretariat draws up programmes to be carried out bilaterally or multilaterally. In 1965, a Commonwealth Secretariat was set up with headquarters in London. It is headed by a secretary general elected by the member nations.

Two of the most significant Declarations issued since the creation of the Commonwealth are the 1971 Declaration of the Commonwealth Principles adopted in the meeting at Singapore, and the 1991 Harare Declaration.

The Singapore Declaration stated that the member states must strive for the pursuit of international peace and order in support of the United Nations, belief in individual liberty, equal rights and the democratic process, while in the Harare Declaration the members agreed to further strengthen the above principles with a view to providing the Organisation with a clear set of objectives, values and strategies for the 1990s and beyond. Special emphasis was also given to good governance and promotion of fundamental democratic values and human rights.

Bangladesh and the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is the first major international organisation that Bangladesh joined in 1972. The Bangladesh War of Liberation was supported by most members of the Commonwealth. Bangladesh has always been represented in all the Commonwealth summits at the head of state/government level since its joining the forum and making significant contributions in the deliberations on political, economic and socio-cultural issues.

Since joining the Organisation, Bangladesh bas been playing a significant role in the process of decolonization. As a member of the Commonwealth, Bangladesh receives considerable technical, financial and educational support from the other developed and developing member countries of the organisation, both bilaterally and through the Commonwealth Secretariat and its other organs. She has also been participating in the various categories of the Commonwealth Technical Assistance Programmes. At the same time, under the General Technical Assistance component, Bangladesh has been receiving the services of various types of experts and consultants involved in the economic, socio-cultural and political fields.

The Commonwealth Foundation has also been carrying out many important activities including running fellowship and scholarship programmes for the promotion of Commonwealth leadership. Many senior academicians, educationists, technocrats from Bangladesh have received fellowships and scholarships under the programmes of the Association of the Universities of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Institute in London aims at promoting educational and cultural exchanges between Commonwealth countries.

Bangladesh regularly participates in various programmes organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Like all other member countries of the Commonwealth, Bangladesh also observe the Commonwealth Day on the second Monday of March every year. There are Commonwealth Associations in all the member countries including Bangladesh whose main function is to promote the spirit of the Commonwealth among the masses.

Key Aspects of Bangladesh’s Commonwealth Relationship

Bangladesh’s relationship with the Commonwealth of Nations is rooted in historical, political, and cultural connections. After gaining independence from Pakistan in 1971, Bangladesh became a member of the Commonwealth in 1972. The Commonwealth is a political association of 56 member states, many of which are former territories of the British Empire, including Bangladesh.

Political and Diplomatic Engagement

Bangladesh participates in Commonwealth meetings and events, such as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), where leaders discuss issues like democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.

Peace and Security

Bangladesh plays a significant role in peacekeeping missions, notably under the United Nations. The Commonwealth, with its shared values of peace and security, has often collaborated with Bangladesh on such global issues.

Overall, the relationship between Bangladesh and the Commonwealth is a mutually beneficial one, focusing on development, shared values, and international cooperation.

Bangladesh’s proactive role in the Commonwealth

Bangladesh has been an active and proactive member of the Commonwealth, contributing significantly to its various initiatives and working to strengthen the organization’s impact, particularly in areas like economic development, climate change, and regional stability.

Promoting Climate Change Action

Bangladesh, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, has used the Commonwealth platform to advocate for stronger global action on climate resilience and adaption. The country has pushed for a focus on climate justice, especially for small island states and vulnerable nations. Bangladesh has also emphasized the need for financial and technical support for climate adaptation projects.

Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The government has been proactive in advocating for global climate action and has committed to both national and international efforts to address climate change.

Championing Education and Youth Empowerment

Bangladesh has been active in promoting education, especially for women and girls, and has supported initiatives aimed at empowering young people across the Commonwealth. As a country with a young population, Bangladesh sees youth development as essential for the future of the Commonwealth community the global.

Promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Bangladesh aligns its national development priorities with the SDGs, and within the Commonwealth, it has advocated for collective efforts towards achieving these global goals. As a developing country, Bangladesh emphasizes the need for equitable development, poverty reduction, and health improvements within the Commonwealth framework.

Peace and Security

Bangladesh has played an active role in promoting peace and security in the Commonwealth, especially through participation in peacekeeping missions. The country has one of the largest contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, particularly in Africa, which has earned Bangladesh international recognition for its commitment to global peace.

As a member of the Commonwealth,  Bangladesh supports peaceful conflict resolution and has contributed troops to international peacekeeping missions. The government is also committed to regional peace and has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to promote stability in South Asia.

Regional Cooperation

Bangladesh promotes regional cooperation within the Commonwealth, particularly in South Asia. It works with other Commonwealth countries to address shared challenges like poverty, economic inequality, and political instability, especially in neighboring countries.

Trade and Economic Cooperation

Bangladesh has led to enhance intra-Commonwealth trade, often intra-Commonwealth trade, often advocating for equitable economic policies. Its role in promoting trade agreements and economic partnerships within the Commonwealth has been a significant part of its diplomatic efforts.

Through these initiatives and more, Bangladesh has showcased its commitment to the Commonwealth’s values and goals, using its influence to advocate for policies that support sustainable development, peace, and prosperity both regionally and globally.

Bangladesh, as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, has shown a strong commitment to the ideals and principles upheld by the organization. These include democracy, human rights, peace, sustainable development, and the rule of law. Here are some key aspects of Bangladesh’s commitments:

Democracy and Rule of Law

Bangladesh has expressed its commitment to upholding democratic governance and the rule of law. This includes ensuring that the country remains a democratic republic, with regular, free, and fair elections, and maintaining a legal system that supports justice for all citizens.

Human Rights

Bangladesh has pledged to respect human rights as outlined in the Commonwealth’s Charter. The government has taken steps to improve human rights conditions, although there have been ongoing challenges in areas such as freedom of speech, press freedom, and political opposition.

Sustainable Development

Bangladesh has committed to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which align with the Commonwealth’s goals for a sustainable future. The government has made progress in areas like poverty reduction, education, and gender equality, although challenges remain in some sectors.

Social Cohesion and Inclusion

Bangladesh has worked towards fostering a society based on inclusivity, equity, and social justice. This includes promoting gender equality, improving access to education, and ensuring the rights of marginalized groups.

Cooperation and Solidarity

Bangladesh actively participates in Commonwealth meetings and has consistently supported the principles of cooperation and mutual assistance among member states. It has also used its position to advocate for the needs of developing countries, especially in areas such as trade, economic development, and education.

The commonwealth Organization

Bangladesh, a valued member of the Commonwealth since 1972, has a history of participating in Commonwealth initiatives. In 2021, the Commonwealth Secretary-General congratulated Bangladesh on its Golden Jubilee anniversary, acknowledging the nation’s progress and contributions within the Commonwealth family.

Conclusion

Bangladesh became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations on April 18, 1972, soon after gaining independence from Pakistan in 1971. The country remains an active member and participates in various Commonwealth programs, including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM), the Commonwealth Games, and other developmental and diplomatic initiatives.

Bangladesh plays an active role in the Commonwealth of Nations, contributing to political, economic, and social initiatives within the organization.

The writer is Registrar General of Bangladesh Supreme Court, a Chevening Fellow (FCO) of Birmingham UK & also member British Alumni. He can be reached: azizabrar2004@yahoo.co.uk