INDEPENDENCE DAY Bangladesh and Oman has forged mutual relations on values and ideals
On the occasion of the 46th anniversary of the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh, I extend my heartiest greetings and felicitations to all the brotherly people of the Sultanate of Oman, the expatriate Bangladeshi nationals and all our friends living in this beautiful country.
On this solemn occasion, we pay our deepest tributes to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who proclaimed the country’s independence on 26 March 1971, after inspiring the whole nation and preparing them for independence over the decades. Bangladesh achieved its independence after nine months long war of independence. I pay my deep homage to the heroic martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the independence of the country. This is an occasion for all of us to remind ourselves of the supreme sacrifices made by our valiant freedom fighters and martyrs and also an occasion to renew our solemn resolve to live by the ideals and values of the War of Liberation. On this glorious day we fondly remember the contribution and support of the global community and our friendly countries in the independence of Bangladesh.
Since the independence in 1971, Bangladesh has achieved notable progress and development in all the fields of national life. There has been a steady growth of our GDP above 6 per cent for the last two decades and during the last year 2016 the GDP growth rate was 7.1 percent. Under the astute leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is confidently marching ahead towards achieving a cherished goal of becoming a self-reliant middleincome country by 2021 and developed country by 2041 in line with the development roadmap ‘Vision 2021’ and ‘Vision 2041’.
Our export has reached 35 bil- lion and Bangladesh is considered to be the second highest exporter of readymade garments in the world. Bangladeshi pharmaceuticals, ceramic and jute products, frozen and sea food, plastic ware, electronic goods and are being exported all over the globe with competitive price and standard. Bangladesh has taken massive development projects like nuclear power project, Padma Bridge, deep seaport, LNG terminal etc which are expected to be completed by the next two years.
Bangladesh has achieved the millennium development goals within the target period. There are notable progress in socio economic development like self-sufficiency in food, reducing child mortality rate, free education for girls, gender parity, mitigating the effect of climate change, digitalisation and advancement in IT sector and also in other infrastructure development sectors. The government of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has institutionalised the practice of democracy in Bangladesh beginning from the National Parliament to all the tires of local governments. In recognition of her prudent leadership in the transformation of the nation, the United Nations has recently awarded her with the accolades of Champion of the Earth, agent of change and planet 50-50 Champion.
Bangladesh has continued her great strides at the world stage with greater importance in the UN, OIC, NAM, SAARC, IORA and other regional and international forum and particularly in the fields of global warming and climate change, security, Millennium Development Goals, sustainable development and migration and development. Being a champion of global peace, Bangladesh is now one of the leading troops contributing country for UN peacekeeping missions with 7145 troops and military experts including 207 women. As a member of the UN, Bangladesh takes the opportunity to play an active role in protecting and promoting the interests of the Least Developed Countries in all relevant forums.
The government is committed to improve and strengthen her relations with its neighbours and Arab World. Bangladesh and Oman, two brotherly Muslim countries, over the years have forged excellent relations based on mutual interests and enduring values and ideals. Bangladesh deeply values its relations with the Sultanate of Oman. In the pursuit of boosting our bilateral relations with Oman, significant progress has been made. There were a number high level visits between Bangladesh and the Sultanate in the recent years.
The Mission’s activities were primarily focused on consolidating bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Sultanate of Oman in the fields of political, economic, trade and investment and employment of Bangladeshi workers in Oman. As a result Bangladesh and Oman have signed a MoU for political consultation (FOC) and also finalised the draft agreement on promotion and reciprocal protection of investment. Bangladesh and the Sultanate of Oman have agreed to sign a MoU on exemption of visa requirement for the holders of Diplomatic, Special and Official Passports. The Mission is actively working with Ministry of Manpower of Oman and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh and other concerned departments to harmonise the training, recruitment, and employment of Bangladeshi workers in the Sultanate. According to official records, some 1,86,000 Bangladeshis entered into Oman with different categories of work permits in 2016 and the Mission remained vigilant in facilitating the process of recruitment of Bangladeshi skilled and semiskilled workers. Like previous years, cooperation in economic and trade areas were also explored. The mission in collaboration with Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industries (OCCI) and Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Bangladesh (FBCCI) has taken efforts to create facilities to improve both way trade and investments. Moreover, I visited the major cities in Oman such as Salalah, Sohar, Sur, Jalan, Ibri, Ibra, Saham, Suweiq, Barka and met maximum level of Bangladesh community members and local dignitaries living there to build an excellent working relations among the stakeholders.
Our skilled and semi-skilled people are working in different fields of the Sultanate and contributing to the development of both the countries. Bangladesh, being a densely populated country with 160 million population, employment of her young population is of immense priority to our government and in this particular aspect the Sultanate has extended her much valuable support and very positive consideration in keeping the trust with the abilities, sincerity and dedicated works of our Bangladeshi work force. Both the governments and the private entrepreneurs are interested in the diversification of our relations in other relevant fields. The business leaders of the both chambers have undertaken their visits during the last year. They are identifying the mutually beneficial fields for possible engagement in business and investment.
On this auspicious occasion, I pay our deepest gratitude’s and highest esteem to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for his kind consideration towards the Bangladeshis working and living here with safety, security and satisfaction. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said is a blessing from almighty Allah for our Omani brothers and sisters. The Sultanate has reached a dignified position in the world community with the prudent policies and the renaissance of His Majesty the Sultan Qaboos bin Said. His Majesty’s policies of co-operation, peace and development has helped the world in general and the neighbouring countries, in particular, bringing about settlement of long standing disputes and live together with peace and harmony. We pray to almighty Allah for His Majesty’s good health, personal wellbeing and long life.
I would like to convey my gratitude the government of the Sultanate of Oman, different ministries of the government for extending me all courtesies, cooperation and support in carrying out my assignment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Home Affairs and particularly Royal Oman Police, Immigration and Labour department are extending all possible supports to our Mission and our community. At the same time, I thank all our friends, who are cooperating and helping our nationals.
I also urge upon our compatriot Bangladeshis in Oman to follow and respect the rules, regulations, values and traditions of Oman and try their best to live up to the expectations of their employers with fullest sincerity. I am also grateful to all my fellow Bangladeshi citizens for their support towards me and my mission in the time of need. I would also like to thank all my colleagues for their whole hearted cooperation and dedicated services in the smooth functioning of our Mission and also arranging this National Day event with utmost sincerely and jubilation.
I am hopeful that relations between Bangladesh and the Sultanate of Oman would further be strengthened in future for the mutual benefit and continued progress of both the nations.
May the Almighty Allah bless us all.