Dhaka: A colourful cultural event buttressed by a spectacular laser show and fireworks was held at the Bangabandhu National Stadium to celebrate Bangladesh’s graduation from the group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) as designated by the UN.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana’s son Radwan Mujib Siddiq (Bobby), along with a cross-section of politicians, public officials and intelligentsia attended the event, reports the UNB.

The cultural component of the program was organized by the Cultural Affairs Ministry commenced at 7pm. The event was open for all, although the heavy security presence necessitated by some of the guests and very short notice at which it was put together would have depressed the overall attendance.

A video on the gradual development of Bangladesh under the present administration that took office in 2009 under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was shown as part of the program.

Another video displayed on the giant screen at the BNS, a legacy of the days it hosted the Bangladesh cricket team, contained selected parts of the PM’s more popular speeches over the years.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy artists performed songs while dance troupe Spondon performed a group dance.

Folk artist Shafi Mandol performed Lalon songs,but thepopular singer Mamtaj Begum MP sang her songs while internationally acclaimed singer Runa Laila sang her famous songs.

Artists from ethnic groups of the country performed their traditional dances.

At a meeting on March 15, the CDP, a United Nations panel, announced that Bangladesh became eligible to graduate to a developing country from a least developed one as it met all the three criteria for the first time for getting out of the LDC bloc.

The CDP will review Bangladesh’s progress in 2021, and provided it stays the course, Bangladesh will officially complete its graduation from the LDC category, and enter into the iios5will take place after a three-year transition period.

If the country maintains its position in all the three categories for the next six years, its graduation will be complete.