March 26 is our glorious independence and national day. It is the day of emergence of nation-state Bangladesh and Bang1adeshi nationhood. I extend my sincere greetings and warm felicitations to all Bangladeshis living at home and abroad on the occasion. At the same time, I recall with deep respect and gratitude the extraordinary contributions made by the heroic martyrs and brave freedom fighters during the war of independence. I pay my respects to the proclaimer of our independence war the late President Ziaur Rahman and to all national leaders who had organized it. I also express my deep reverence for those freedom-loving people who had made huge sacrifices as well as those who had contributed while living abroad. I also recollect the roles of our foreign friends including the people, government and political parties of our neighboring country for their support, encouragement and assistance during the independence war.
The main objective of our war of independence was the establishment of an exploitation-free democratic country in the light of our culture and heritage alongside socio-economic development of our people. But various hindrances from the very outset repeatedly obstructed the realization of this goal. However, it is a matter of great satisfaction that the country has been able to uphold its stature as a promising democratic country during the last one and a half decade by overcoming the dark days of the past.
The present alliance government has been striving relentlessly for the socio-economic development of the country after winning absolute majority in the parliamentary election of 2001. We have implemented diverse programs during the past four and a half years to build a happy and prosperous land. We have been successful in many areas despite challenges and hard realities of a changed world order and evil attempts to spread terrorism and anarchy.
We have taken effective measures for wiping out terrorism and establishing rule of law in the country. We formed an independent Anti-Corruption Commission for eradicating corruption from our society and administration. We have achieved notable success in alleviation of poverty, raising the living standard of our people and socio-economic advancement of the country.
Social peace and political stability are required for sustaining this trend of success. The cooperation of all social and political forces including the ruling and opposition parties is also needed for the purpose. I shall expect that the people at large, including the opposition parties would play a positive role for the greater interest of the state and the nation during this final year of our tenure.
On this 35th anniversary of our glorious independence, I am making a clarion call to all to come forward so that we can make our independence more meaningful for the countrymen through our collective efforts.
I pray for the kind support of most Merciful Allah for peace, happiness, and affluence of all Bangladeshis, including expatriates, and for national unity, progress and accomplishment.
Khaleda Zia
Prime Minister
