On the occasion of our great Independence and National Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to my fellow countrymen living at home and abroad.
The great Independence Day is a glorious one in our national life.
On this historic day, I recall with profound respect Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who proclaimed country's independence on March 26, 1971 after inspiring the whole nation with Bangalee nationalism and preparing them for independence.
Under his charismatic leadership, we achieved our much awaited independence through a nine-month long armed struggle.
Today, I pay my deep tributes to the martyrs and valiant sons of the soil, who made the supreme sacrifices in the War of Liberation.
I also recall with deep reverence our four national leaders, valiant freedom-fighters, organizers, supporters and people from all walks of life for their unmatched valour, immense contributions and courageous role that accelerated the achievement of our victory.
I remember with deep respect our foreign friends who extended their wholehearted support directly and indirectly in our War of Liberation in 1971.
The contributions of all would be written in golden letters in the history of our independence forever.
One of the prime objectives of our hard-earned independence was to build a prosperous Bangladesh.
Keeping that in mind, the present government has been rendering untiring efforts in materializing the objectives of independence.
The growth rate of GDP and per capita income is increasing constantly and the rate of poverty is decreasing.
In the meantime, we have achieved some significant progress in the fields of agriculture, education, health, rural infrastructure, communication, energy and power, trade and commerce, ICT and the SME sectors.
It is notable that our country has attained food-sufficiency owing to the huge development in agriculture.
We have also been able to export food grains on a small scale.
The pace of advancement in the sector of empowerment of women, youth and sports, women and children, social safety net etc. is continuing.
The mega project of the Padma Bridge is being carried out with our own resources.
At the same time, we have also attained remarkable development in the private sector in areas such as readymade garments, pharmaceuticals, ceramics and the ship-building industry.
The country’s financial sector, along with bank and insurance, has also expanded.
Bangladesh is now being branded as a role model for development to the outside world.
Our achievements in international arena are also commendable.
Our expatriate Bangladeshis have also been making significant contributions to our national economy with their hard-earned remittances.
Nevertheless, we have to go a long way in achieving the desired goals of independence.
I believe that sincere and concerted efforts from all strata — irrespective of party affiliations — are imperative to reach the goals.
The people of our country have a great love for democracy, development and peace.
They do not support any sorts of violence including militancy and terrorism.
We should keep in mind that the thriving of democracy and its institutionalization is very important for attaining overall development.
Therefore, we have to maintain patience, self-restraint, and forbearance in our national life along with showing respect to others’ opinions in a democratic pluralism.
I hope that people from all strata would play their due role from their respective positions to attain the objectives of independence and fulfill the hopes and aspirations of our people.
The Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, dreamt of transforming Bangladesh into “Sonar Bangla.”
The present government has set “Vision 2021” and “Vision 2041” to materialize Bangabandhu's dream into reality.
It is my expectation that people from all walks of life would contribute toward building an IT-based happy and prosperous Bangladesh through implementing the Vision by the jubilee celebration of our independence.
On this auspicious day of independence, I urge all, living at home and abroad, to work unitedly and imbued with the spirit of the War of Liberation and democratic norms to expedite further progress and democratic advertisement of the country.
Khoda Hafez. May Bangladesh live forever.
Bangladesh: Role model for development
Bangladesh: Role model for development
