We celebrate the 44th glorious independence of Bangladesh today.

On this day, Bangladesh woke up to the horrendous genocide unknown to the Bangalees.

This darkest episode in our history turns into a full-fledged people’s war which helped us become a sovereign country.

The heroic struggles of our freedom fighters against the enemy, their sacrifices and their ultimate success in defeating the enemies make us hold our heads high.

On this solemn day, I recall with deep respect the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led the great war of independence in 1971.

I pay my deep homage to the martyrs who made supreme sacrifices to liberate the country.

I also recall the brave women who sacrificed their honor only to see the country free from subjugation.

I also recall with deep respect our four National Leaders who had a great role in our epic struggle. The contribution of those valiant freedom fighters of the soil would be borne in the minds of the people of Bangladesh forever.

On this heroic occasion, I express my heartfelt felicitations and greetings to my compatriots living at home and abroad.

Cherishing the true history of the liberation war, the present government has made giant strides to achieve the objective of a change which will make Bangabandhu’s ‘Sonar Bangla’, the golden Bengal, a reality.

Under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we aim at a middle-income, digital, knowledge-based Bangladesh by 2021.

Bangladesh remains committed to bring to end to the culture of impunity and establish the rule of law.

The present government will bring all perpetrators to justice who committed crimes against humanity.

No one can deviate us from the onerous task as people have given us the mandate.

At the international front, Bangladesh follows the foreign policy principle “Friendship to all and malice toward none” as outlined by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

In line with that, Bangladesh has been playing a constructive role in promoting international peace and stability. The ministry remains deeply focused on sub-regional, regional and international issues apart from its bilateral engagements.

I express my appreciation to the expatriate Bangladesh nationals who are continuously contributing to building an economically viable Bangladesh.

I also congratulate the officers and officials working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and at Bangladesh Missions abroad for their dedicated services to implement the foreign policy priorities of the government.

On this great occasion, I urge all to work unitedly to turn Bangladesh into a ‘Sonar Bangla’ as envisioned by the Father of the Nation and achieve middle income country status by 2021 as well as an advanced country by 2041 as set out by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.

Md Shahriar Alam, MP, State Minister for Foreign Affairs