The 71st Anniversary of the Glorious Revolution of 1954

The Embassy of Algeria in Bangladesh will celebrate, on Saturday, November 1, the 71st Anniversary of the Glorious Revolution of 1954 — a historic and epic struggle that established the sovereignty of national decision-making and the Algerian people’s right to self-determination.

This spirit, enshrined in the founding texts of Algeria, continues to guide the nation’s domestic and foreign policies.

The commemoration recalls that defining moment of November 1, 1954, which marked the beginning of a difficult yet ultimately victorious journey toward Algeria’s independence. The anniversary transcends Algeria’s borders, serving as a powerful reaffirmation of global anti-colonial and self-determination movements.

The event will be attended by distinguished personalities from various sectors of the Government of Bangladesh, along with youth representatives, university students, Islamic scholars, mosque Imams, senior military and civil officials, think tank members, political scientists, poets, writers, researchers, artists, entrepreneurs, and other influential figures of society. The aim is to raise awareness about the historical significance of Algeria’s Glorious Revolution.

After more than a century of French colonial rule (1830–1962), Algeria’s independence was achieved through a brutal war between France and the National Liberation Front (FLN) from 1954 to 1962. The conflict arose from Algerian grievances over repression, land confiscation, and the lack of political and economic equality, which evolved into a violent national struggle under FLN leadership.

The French administration had imposed its language, culture, and political structure upon Algerians, resulting in severe economic and social disparities.

While European settlers lived in relative prosperity, indigenous Algerians suffered from poverty and discriminatory laws. This imbalance laid the groundwork for the nationalist movement that sought to reclaim Algeria’s identity and sovereignty.

After a long and violent war, Algeria gained independence from France in 1962.

The conflict — a culmination of 132 years of colonial domination — involved organized FLN attacks, brutal French counter-insurgency operations, and ultimately, the Evian Accords, which led to a ceasefire and referendum. During the 132 years of French occupation (1830–1962), an estimated 5.6 million Algerians lost their lives.

The Algerian War of Independence (1954–1962) deeply inspired other anti-colonial and liberation movements across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It became both a blueprint and a symbol for nationalist movements determined to challenge colonial powers.

Following independence in 1962, Algiers earned the title “Mecca of Revolution”, becoming a global hub for liberation and revolutionary movements guided by its commitment to Third World solidarity. Under FLN leadership, Algeria supported global struggles against imperialism, racism, and exploitation.

Leaders such as Nelson Mandela (ANC) and Eldridge Cleaver (Black Panther) took refuge in Algiers, while strong offices were established for the Viet Cong and PLO, turning the city into a global center for liberation efforts.

The FLN also effectively utilized international forums like the United Nations and the Bandung Conference to gain global sympathy and pressure France diplomatically.

This highlighted the power of international diplomacy in decolonization — shifting the paradigm from local rebellion to a globally recognized political movement.

The ideological foundation of Algeria’s struggle, centered on building a sovereign and democratic state based on social justice, resonated with other “Third World” movements.

Algeria’s Modern Economic Outlook
By 2025, Algeria will have emerged as one of Africa’s most stable and promising economies, demonstrating strong resilience and renewed investor confidence.

According to the IMF, the country’s real GDP growth is estimated at 3.4%, with a nominal GDP of around USD 265 billion, and a purchasing power parity (PPP) value approaching USD 847 billion. Inflation has fallen to about 4.0%, reflecting sound fiscal and monetary policies that strengthen economic stability.

The government’s diversification strategy is bearing fruit — non-hydrocarbon sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services are expanding steadily, with non-oil GDP growth estimated at 3.2%.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) continues to rise, reaching USD 1.2 billion in 2023, supported by major reforms such as the removal of ownership limits and investor-friendly regulations.

With foreign reserves exceeding USD 36.8 billion, Algeria is increasingly recognized as a safe and attractive destination for global investment.

Its strategic location at the crossroads of Africa and Europe makes it a gateway for trade, industrial cooperation, and cross-border business partnerships, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

These developments underscore Algeria’s growing role as a regional economic leader, offering a highly stable environment for investment and partnerships between Africa and Europe.

Algeria–Bangladesh Relations: A Renewed Partnership of Friendship and Cooperation
Relations between Algeria and Bangladesh are long-standing and friendly, rooted in a shared history of anti-colonial struggle, solidarity in the Muslim world, and mutual respect in multilateral forums.

Both countries are now witnessing a new phase of dynamic engagement, driven by mutual interests and proactive diplomacy.
Historical Bonds of Solidarity

Following Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, Algeria was the first Arab nation to recognize it — a gesture that laid the foundation for a lasting friendship.

Bangladesh participated in the 1973 Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Algiers, reflecting both nations’ early alignment on global issues of justice, peace, and freedom.

In 1974, Algeria played a pivotal diplomatic role in encouraging Pakistan to recognize Bangladesh and in supporting Dhaka’s membership in both the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This historical solidarity continues to inspire bilateral cooperation today.

Deepening Political and Economic Relations
Beyond historical and political ties, the two countries are expanding cooperation in energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and ready-made garments.

The establishment of the Algeria–Bangladesh Business Forum in early 2025 created a new institutional platform to facilitate trade partnerships and investment exchanges.

Algeria’s investment climate offers attractive incentives, including 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits in selected sectors such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals, presenting promising opportunities for Bangladeshi investors.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh continues to export jute products, textiles, footwear, and home décor items to the Algerian market.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
The Ambassador of Algeria to Bangladesh, Dr. Abdelouahab Saidani, has reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, marking a significant milestone in diplomatic relations.

Both governments have since engaged in renewed dialogue and sector-specific collaboration, particularly in energy and infrastructure development.

Dr. Saidani emphasized that Bangladesh’s steady growth, cultural diversity, and peaceful coexistence make it a model of progress and reliability in the developing world.

“In an era of global challenges — from geopolitical tensions to climate change — Algeria and Bangladesh must work together to promote win-win partnerships and a fairer international order,” Dr. Saidani stated.

In February 2025, the Second Bilateral Consultations were held in Algiers. The talks covered a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, reaffirming commitments to deepen cooperation.

Currently, nearly 22 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Algeria and Bangladesh are in the final stages of approval.

Among the most significant is the Energy Cooperation Agreement, discussed in the Joint Working Committee Meeting between the two countries’ ministries, which is expected to be finalized soon.

Additionally, a visa-free travel agreement for government and diplomatic officials is nearing completion.

Both countries have also expanded cooperation between their Foreign Service Institutes and academic institutions, opening new avenues for diplomatic training and educational exchange.

Efforts to encourage delegation exchanges are also underway to identify new areas of partnership. Notably, Karnafuly Ship Builders Ltd. (KSBL) from Bangladesh has explored opportunities to establish shipbuilding facilities in Algeria — a potential milestone for industrial collaboration.

The pharmaceutical sector has also been recognized as a key area of cooperation, given Bangladesh’s global reputation for affordable medicine production.

As Algeria and Bangladesh celebrate over five decades of friendship, their partnership enters a new era of economic dynamism, cultural exchange, and diplomatic solidarity.

Both nations share a common vision of peace, progress, and cooperation — a relationship that continues to grow stronger, guided by shared history and a future full of promise.

Long live Algeria, long live Bangladesh, and long live the friendship between our two nations.