BANGLADESH STRIDING TOWARDS ‘SONAR BANGLA’
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 to 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 ninemonth 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, organisers, 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 happy and prosperous Bangladesh. Keeping that in mind, the present government has been rendering untiring efforts in materialising 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, 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 in 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 underway by our own resources. At the same time, we have also attained remarkable develop- ment in private sector including the area of readymade garments, pharmaceuticals, ceramic and ship-building industry. Country’s financial sector along with bank and insurances has been expanded. Bangladesh is now being branded as a role model of development in the outside world. Our achievement in international arena is also commendable. Our expatriate Bangladeshis have also been making significant contributions to our national economy through sending their hard-earned remittances. Nevertheless, we have to go a long way for achieving the desired goals of independence. I believe that sincere and concerted efforts from all strata irrespective of party affiliation 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 institutionalisation 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’ opinion 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 fulfil the hopes and aspirations of our people. 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 materialise Bangabandhu’s dream into reality. It is my expectation that people from all walks of life would contribute towards building an IT-based happy and prosperous Bangladesh through implementing the vision by the golden jubilee celebration of our independence.
On this auspicious day of independence, I urge all, living at home and abroad, to work unitedly imbued with the spirit of war of liberation and democratic norms to expedite further progress and democratic advancement of the country.
Khoda Hafez, May Bangladesh Live Forever.