Today, the 26th of March, we celebrate the 34th anniversary of national and independence day of Bangladesh in this great country of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with due solemnity. On this august occasion I convey my greetings and best wishes to the government and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia, and to all Bangladeshis living in the Kingdom. I pay homage to all freedom fighters and martyrs in the liberation war who made supreme sacrifices for the country, and pray for the salvation of their souls. At this moment special tributes are due to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, who declared the independence and led the war with military skill and charisma.
The relationship between the people of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia dates back even before the independence of Bangladesh due to the common bonds of faith, values, history, heritage and culture. Over the years, working together in different international forums the two countries developed a very close relationship based on mutual understanding and trust. We consider Saudi Arabia as a natural leader of the Muslim Ummah whose moderate and prudent leadership acts as a torchbearer in the Muslim world. We are committed to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two brotherly countries.
Bangladesh is a multiparty democracy. Today it is recognized as one of the progressive and moderate Muslim countries of the world. Bangladesh’s progress toward “democracy and development” is firm and steady. The country maintained GDP growth of over five percent during the last few years. The private sector is taking the lead and fast becoming the engine for growth in Bangladesh. Due to the prevailing investment climate in the country foreign direct investment (FDI) is increasing. The recent commitment of Indian Tata Company, Orascom and Abu Dhabi Group, and just concluded visit of Prince Alwaleed ibn Talal to Bangladesh to look for the investment opportunities are pointers toward a FDI friendly and conducive climate. Bangladesh is becoming a model for its poverty alleviation programs, micro-credit financing and preventive health care measures. The vast population of the country is now being transformed into a vast pool of human resources through the planned projects of formal and non-formal education.
The large community of Bangladesh living in the Kingdom is making a significant contribution toward developing a climate of understanding and friendship between the two peoples. We express our deep appreciation and gratitude to the government and the people of Saudi Arabia for employing Bangladeshi people in different development projects in the Kingdom, thus making them partners in development. On this auspicious day I appreciate and applaud the Bangladesh community in the Kingdom for upholding our nation’s image and interest abroad.
Maj. Gen. (Retd.) S.M. Ikramul Haque
(Ambassador of Bangladesh)