On the auspicious and happy occasion of the 33rd anniversary of our independence and National Day, I extend my heartiest felicitations to all countrymen at home and abroad.

On this day I join you in paying homage to the valiant freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of our freedom and independence.

March 26 is the single most important date in our national history.

This marked the beginning of a historic war for national independence entailing enormous, and also supreme, sacrifices from millions.

Independence is our greatest achievement our pride and glory.

Apart from nationhood, it also aimed at changing the lot of the masses by improving their socio-economic conditions.

What we all must realize, however, is that without economic emancipation, the sacrifices would be meaningless; dream of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, who proclaimed our independence, will remain unrealized, The present four-party alliance government, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has been implementing various development programs with the aim to translating the true spirit of the liberation war into actions.

The task of nation building demands support and cooperation from all, I therefore urge upon every Bangladeshi, irrespective of affiliation and opinion, to come forward.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our Missions abroad are actively engaged in promoting national interests abroad and projecting the correct image of Bangladesh.

We have reoriented our foreign policy to adjust to the demands of time. Economic diplomacy has been made our focus.

Since our assumption of power we have focused on our priorities.

We have initiated our “Look East” policy. Cooperation for mutual benefit and development remains a corner stone of our neighborhood diplomacy — as an active member of SAARC, Bangladesh has been playing an important role in creating an atmosphere of congeniality, friendship and cooperation in the South Asia. Our voice of moderation is widely acclaimed in all international and multilateral fora.

We have a sizable Bangladeshis Diaspora all over the globe.

They are our envoys of goodwill and friendship.

On this glorious occasion, I call upon them to redouble their efforts in promoting the country and to associate with our development process. Our Missions abroad will continue to extend all necessary cooperation and look after the welfare of our expatriate brethren.

I wish all Bangladeshis peace and prosperity.