‘Let’s fight poverty, hunger and extremism’

I recall with profound respect our undisputed leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, our four national leaders, Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, M. Monsur Ali, A.H.M. Kamrujjman who steered our heroic war of liberation. I pay deep tributes to the valiant freedom fighters and the martyrs whose sacrifices have led us to our independence. I also salute those brave women, the biranganas, who were subjected to heinous form of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Since our independence in 1971, Bangladesh has evolved significantly. We have established a tolerant, pluralistic and egalitarian society, an inclusive democracy and gained recognition from the world community. Bangladesh today is one of the 11 emerging economies in the world, after Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC). Bangladesh is a role model for fighting poverty and extremism, empowering women, disaster management and in coping with the challenges posed by global climate change. For more than two decades, Bangladesh remains a frontline contributor to the UN peacekeeping missions across the globe.
After the historic December elections in 2008, which brought the democratic and secular forces to office with sweeping majority of the Parliament. Bangladesh is now witnessing rapid transformation under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Our country is making remarkable strides in various sectors. Its impressive achievement particularly in the social sector continues to receive recognition in the international community. The winning of MDG Award by the prime minister during the 65th UNGA for achieving targeted reduction in infant mortality is a testimony in this regard.
The prime minister announced Vision 2021 to transform Bangladesh into a Digital Bangladesh and to graduate Bangladesh to a middle-income country by the time we will be celebrating our Golden Jubilee of our Independence. Our government has also taken various steps to implement these goals. Needless to say, in this onerous task, Bangladesh would need the support of the international community including the members of our Diaspora.
Present government under the leadership of Bangabandhu’s daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is committed to establish the values and aspirations of the war of independence.
After assuming office on Jan. 6, 2009, we have been trying relentlessly to establish a society based on rule of law, strengthen democratic institutions, uphold human rights and ensure good governance.
The present government remains committed to bring the alleged war criminals to justice and I would like to reiterate that the initiative stems from our policy to establish rule of law and end the culture of impunity and in no way an act of vendetta. I take this opportunity to reiterate to all including the international community that the trial would be carried out in line with the international standard.
On foreign policy issues, the government has been consistent in pursuing the policy in line with the motto “friendship to all and malice toward none” as envisioned by the Father of the Nation. Bangladesh now enjoys excellent relations with the outside world due to our principled position. Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the friendly countries including our neighbors have expanded in depth and dimension, and I hope that it will be improved further in the coming days. Bangladesh is happy to be one of the hosts of the International Cricket Council, and this also manifests the credibility and credentials Bangladesh enjoys among the international community. Bangladesh’s election to a large number of UN and international bodies bears the testimony of the trust Bangladesh continues to enjoy in the comity of nations.
I wish to highlight here that our Diaspora comprises an important element in our foreign policy objectives. The government is committed to ensure their all-out welfare. Despite serious logistical and economic constraints, the government, under special directives from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, recently took swift action, not only to repatriate thousands of Bangladesh nationals but also to ensure the welfare of those who were distressed following political upheavals in some countries.
More importantly we have been able to address the situation promptly with the assistance of the international community without compromising our bilateral relations with the affected countries.
I wish to thank all the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our Missions abroad who have devoted themselves to achieving our foreign policy goals. I take this opportunity to congratulate Bangladesh Diaspora who are immensely contributing to the buoyancy of the economy of their country of origin as well as to their host countries.
On this great Day, let us renew our commitment to turn Bangladesh into a country free from poverty, free of hunger and extremism. I urge all our citizens including our diaspora to come forward to achieve this goal.
Joy Bangla.
Joy Bangabandhu.
Dr. Dipu Moni, MP
Foreign Minister