The historic Independence Day is a glorious day in our national life. We achieved our long-cherished independence through nine-month-long armed struggle and supreme sacrifices of millions. On this solemn day, I pay my deep homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives in the war of liberation in 1971. I pray to the Almighty for the salvation of those departed immortal souls.
On this very memorable day, I recall with profound respect the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who proclaimed country’s Independence on March the 26, 1971. Responding to his clarion call the courageous people from all walks of life participated in the war of liberation and achieved victory through armed struggle. I also recall with deep respect our four national leaders, valiant freedom-fighters and organizers who rendered their dedicated efforts and enthusiastic support that accelerated the achievement of our victory. I also remember with deep respect the contributions of late Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy and Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani toward inspiring our people at various stages of the struggle. The contributions of those valiant sons of the soil would be ever written in the history of our independence.
One of the prime objectives of our hard-earned independence was to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh. Keeping that in mind, the government is rendering untiring efforts in realizing the objectives of independence. With the passage of time, we have achieved significant progress in the field of agriculture, education, health, rural infrastructure, communication, ICT, youth, women and children, women empowerment etc. at national level.
The government is also very sincere to establish rule of law, human rights in the country and institutionalize democracy.
Our achievement at international arena is also notable. Despite attaining the progress, we have to go a long way for achieving the desired goals of independence. I believe concerted efforts from all are imperative in this regard.
It is a matter of satisfaction that the people of our country are democracy-loving. Without making institutionalization of democracy, the overall development is hard to attain. Tolerance, fortitude and respectful to other’s opinion are the pre-conditions for flourishing democracy.
Therefore, it is of paramount importance to maintain patience, forbearance at all level and to be respectful to other’s opinion in a democratic pluralism. Let us make our National Parliament a center of excellence in solving our national issues through discussion. I am confident, all irrespective of party affiliation would play responsible role in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of our common people by playing their due role.
The present government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has declared “Vision 2021” with a view to attaining “Golden Bangla” dreamt by Bangabandhu. I believe people from all strata of life would contribute to build an IT-based happy and prosperous Bangladesh by materializing the “Vision” at the Golden Jubilee of independence in 2021.
On this Independence Day, I urge all, living at home and abroad, to work unitedly imbued with the spirit of war of liberation to expedite economic self-reliance and democratic advancement as we are committed to building a respectful, happy and prosperous Bangladesh for our next generation.
May the Almighty be with us.
Khoda Hafez, May Bangladesh Live Forever.
