On 8 August 2022, the ASEAN Dhaka Committee (ADC) celebrated the 55th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) or the 55th ASEAN Day at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia. On this occasion, H.E. Dr. A.K. Momen, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh graced the event as the Chief Guest by delivering a pre-recorded video speech.

In this occasion, H.E. Mrs. Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, joined the event along with the ADC Heads of Mission, Foreign Ministry officials, Foreign diplomats, and members of Diplomatic Correspondent Association of Bangladesh (DCAB).

The celebration started with the ASEAN Flag Raising Ceremony followed by ASEAN Food Festival, which reflects ASEAN unity and harmony based on cultural diversity.

In his speech, H.E. Mr. Aung Kyaw Moe, Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, as the current Chair of ADC, highlighted the achievements of ASEAN throughout the past 55 years since its founding; the activities of ADC; the cordial relations between ASEAN countries and Bangladesh as well as the cruciality of “ASEAN Unity” among the Member States.

The ADC was established in the year 2014 and is comprised of eight ASEAN Missions based in Dhaka. The ADC chair is rotated every six months and is currently being chaired by the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

Whereas ASEAN which was founded on 8 August 1967 through the signing of ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) comprises ten Member States, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The celebration of the 55th ASEAN Day resumed physically after the 54th celebration in 2021 was held virtually under the challenges taken toll by COVID-19. This was the first on-site event organised by the ADC after the relaxation of the pandemic preventive measure by the Bangladeshi government, which signals a fresh start to create a new high in the relations between ASEAN and Bangladesh.