He was speaking at the 41st anniversary of Independence Day and National Day celebrations in Riyadh. The Bangladesh missions and their community members in the Kingdom commemorated their country's independence in Riyadh and Jeddah at their respective missions yesterday.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah sent a message of felicitations to Bangladesh President Mohammed Zillur Rahman. Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, also sent a similar message to the president.

Following the hoisting of his country's flag, Ambassador Islam paid tribute to the freedom fighters who toiled for an independent nation. “We have to translate the dream of Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman into action for the progress and prosperity of Bangladesh,” the envoy said, hoping the 1.2 million Bangladeshis in the Kingdom would contribute their best to uplift the image of the country in this part of the globe.

“Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh maintain excellent bilateral relations,” the ambassador said, adding that such a good relationship should continue for the good of the two countries.

In Riyadh, Ambassador Islam hoisted the country's flag before a large gathering of community members from all walks of life.

The morning events included recitation of the Holy Qur'an, reading of the messages of President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Hasina Wajed and Foreign Minister Dipu Moni. Diplomats Emdadul Haque, Mizanur Rahman and Consul Khairul Alam read out the messages, while Head of Chancery Mohammed Ayoob compered the morning program.

In their messages, the nation's leaders recalled with gratitude the supreme sacrifices made by the thousands of martyrs and freedom fighters for the sake of their country. They made a call for Bangladesh overseas workers to work together for the nation's development and toward achieving peace, progress and prosperity in Bangladesh. They also urged them to work to achieve the democratic goals of the nation.

In Jeddah, Consul General Mohamed Nazmul Islam hoisted the national flag in front of community members.

In his brief speech he said: “Achievement of liberation is the most glorious episode in the annals of Bangladesh, for which millions had to make the supreme sacrifice of martyrdom during a nine-month armed struggle”

He stressed that this independence should be made more meaningful for the good of the nation.

He also took the opportunity to thank King Abdullah and his government for hosting a large number of Bangladeshi nationals in the Kingdom.