As we celebrate this great day, we recall with inspiration the historic declaration of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, “the struggle this time is the struggle for freedom, the struggle this time is the struggle for independence.” On this memorable occasion, we remember with gratitude the contribution of the valiant freedom fighters and pray for the souls of those who made supreme sacrifices for our motherland.
Bangladesh as a country is witnessing rapid transformation. The heroic people of Bangladesh are poised to take the country to a challenging height. As a result, Bangladesh has made remarkable strides in various sectors.
Its achievements in social development and macro-management continue to elicit unqualified appreciation from the global community.
The present government of Bangladesh has been working hard to build a digital Bangladesh and to achieve middle-income country status with this vision by 2021.
Bangladesh has put its efforts to strengthen the process of peace and democracy encouraging dialogue and negotiation and called for reformation to the international order for protection and promotion of the interest of all nations. Our contribution to the UN peace keeping in many trouble spots in the world eloquently speaks of our continuing commitment to this direction.
In fact, Bangladesh’s enlightened and forward looking foreign policy had made the country an important role player in UN, NAM, OIC, Commonwealth and other international and regional organizations.
Bangladesh always attaches great importance to its ties with the government and the people of Saudi Arabia. Bilateral cooperation between the two countries is rooted deep in history, culture and religious bonds. The ties are time tested and are characterized by the common desire to bring the peoples of the two countries closer and through interactions in economic, cultural and other areas.
The fraternal relations have been cemented by exchange of high level visits by the political and business leaders of the two countries.
Our shared perspectives have strengthened our collaboration in the UN and other international and regional forums.
In order to add new momentum to bilateral relations, it is time not only to further expand our cooperation in the existing fields but also in newer areas of common interest.
On this happy occasion, I wish the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah long life, happiness, progress and prosperity.
Md. Shahidul Islam
Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
