Bangladesh became independent in 1971 through an armed struggle. March 26 is observed as the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. The day is celebrated by the Bangladeshis at home and abroad with due fervor and renewed commitment to build a prosperous Bangladesh. On this auspicious day, I pay homage to all freedom fighters and the martyrs of the liberation war who made supreme sacrifices for the liberation of the country. I pay special tribute to the late President Ziaur Rahman who not only declared independence but also actively participated in the war and led it to a successful completion. I offer my sincere greetings and best wishes to all the Bangladeshis living in the Kingdom.
Bangladesh today is moving fast on the path of development and democracy is taking a firm root in the country.
Three general elections held consecutively under a neutral caretaker government, a unique system developed for holding parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, have resulted in the formation of a democratically elected government accepted by the people and international community; and a smooth change of power between the parties. A two-party system is evolved through the democratic practice. Bangladesh is recognized as a moderate country with a majority Muslim population following a liberal, progressive and vibrant multiparty democratic system. It has achieved substantial progress in institutionalizing and strengthening democracy. The process of evolution in the nascent democracy is in motion with the rights and freedom of thoughts, speeches and expressions of ideas in all media. The political, social and economic institutions of Bangladesh are being developed under the sharp and critical scrutiny of its masses and media.
Bangladesh has been credited with important developments in socio-economic sectors particularly, in education, health and social welfare. We have the highest primary school enrollment rate in developing world and also the achievement of gender parity in enrollment in primary and secondary levels. Infant mortality has been reduced to a half and immunization rates are better than most in the developing world. Our efforts at empowerment of women have also earned global recognition. We are recognized for innovative ideas like micro-credit and micro-financing, which is being emulated in different countries and by different establishments.
For the last few years the economic growth of Bangladesh is being sustained at over 5 and a half percent despite huge setbacks due to natural disasters and other impediments. There has been visible impact in improving per capita income, in enhancing food security, in strengthening our capacity to cope with natural disasters and its management. The steady progress of Bangladesh in the comparative terms with countries at its income level and in its own sub-region is discernable. Today the macroeconomic stability of Bangladesh is based on sound fundamentals.
All these positive achievements of Bangladesh have been possible due to hard and relentless work of our people including the expatriate community whose contributions are enormous and tangible. The expatriate community of Bangladesh, not only acts as goodwill ambassadors of the country, but also remains responsible to protect and project the image of the country.
The relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia is based on our common bonds of faith, shared values, culture and heritage. Bangladesh, with 86 percent of its population as Muslims, understands and recognizes the importance and significance of Saudi Arabia as the birth place of Islam where the Two Holy Mosques are located and where the Muslims in their millions from all over the world come for the performance of their religious rites and duties. The prudent and moderate leadership of the Kingdom is very well placed to assume the moral leadership and is considered as the natural leader of the Ummah. The decades of economic growth in the Kingdom has created huge job opportunities for expatriates including a large number of Bangladeshis who are not only involved in the economic development of the Kingdom, but also making significant contribution toward forging better relationship between the two people. Bangladeshis while going back home take with them the rich experience and profound appreciation of the Saudi culture and values.
The Saudi-Bangladesh friendship can further be strengthened with increased volume of trade and commerce between the two countries. The 8th Session of the Joint Economic Commission held in June last year in Riyadh identifies the areas and the basis of cooperation. The Apex trade bodies of the two countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance visits, exchanges, and communications and trade fairs. Agreement on the avoidance of double taxation between the two countries is being finalized. Two meetings were already held at Riyadh and Dhaka for the purpose. Mutual promotion and protection of investment is being discussed. Bangladesh, with its vast and trained human resources and a very attractive investment climate with huge incentives to investors, provides an opportunity to Saudi business community to invest in a secured environment. I am sure in the coming days, the relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will be identified with economic fundamentals.
Maj. Gen. (Retd) S.M. Ikramul Haque
Ambassador
