I extend warmest greetings to all Bangladeshis living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the National and Independence Day of Bangladesh. On this auspicious day, I remember with deep respect and gratitude the contributions of the freedom fighters and pray for the souls of those who made supreme sacrifices for the independence of our motherland. I take this opportunity to extend warmest greetings to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and the Kingdom’s leadership for their valuable contributions to and continued support for the deepening and further strengthening of the brotherly relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
Bangladesh is marching forward with democracy taking a firm root in the country. It has made significant strides in socioeconomic development since its independence in 1971.
Her achievements in empowering women, spreading literacy, and providing health care services and measures to effectively face natural disasters have been widely acclaimed.
Bangladesh has been playing an important role in promoting peace and harmony in the world. It is one of the largest contributors to UN Peace Keeping Operations and its soldiers are contributing to maintaining peace in various parts of the globe. Bangladesh plays a moderating role in international organizations like the UN, the OIC, NAM and the Commonwealth.
Bangladesh has achieved steady economic growth in past decades. The country has been successful in significantly reducing poverty, illiteracy and population growth rate. The export basket of Bangladesh is gradually expanding, and the country is now producing not only readymade garments but ceramics, pharmaceuticals, leather goods and engineering products etc for export. The high quality consumer and electronic items of Bangladesh can be imported to the Kingdom as they offer competitive price. Bangladesh highly values its relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and would like to see these elations further expanded in new areas. There is tremendous potential for the further widening of our bilateral economic cooperation especially in trade and investment sectors. The bonds of friendship between our two brotherly countries have been cemented by common faith and values, and the common desire to promote peace, economic development and stability around the globe.
With its enhanced middle class and congenial business climate, Bangladesh has become an important investment destination in Asia. It has the potential to become a major economic and financial hub of Asia. A good number of internationally renowned companies have already invested in Bangladesh in view of huge returns for their investments. Saudi businessmen and entrepreneurs can take the opportunity of incentives provided by the Bangladesh Government to invest in a big way in Bangladesh, especially in agro-based industries, infrastructure development, pharmaceuticals, leather, ceramic and IT sectors. Increased investment cooperation would certainly bring the peoples of our two countries closer.
Bangladesh is also emerging as an important tourist destination. With its pristine lakes, meandering rivers, lush green tea gardens, fascinating wild life, the longest unbroken sandy sea beach in the world, and a vibrant cultural life, Bangladesh is an attractive place for tourists.
The people of Bangladesh are peace loving and espouse the values of tolerance and moderation. It is a matter of satisfaction that a good number of Bangladeshis are working in the Kingdom. They are contributing not only to the economies of the two countries but also to the promotion of deeper understanding between the peoples of our two countries. I am sure, the community members would continue to work hard to safeguard the good name they have earned through their devotion, sincerity and hard work in the Kingdom.
On this significant day, I express my sincere hope that the cordial ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh would be further expanded and strengthened in the days ahead. I look forward to working closely with our friends in Saudi Arabia in this regard.
