President Md. Abdul Hamid, file photo.

Dhaka, Broadcasting News Corporation : President Md. Abdul Hamid has given the following message on the occasion of the great Victory Day :
“December 16th is our great Victory Day. On this day in 1971, we achieved our long-cherished victory after a long struggle and bloodshed war. On this joyous day. I extend my sincere felicitations and warm greetings to my fellow countrymen living in home and abroad. I recall with profound respect the greatest Bangalee of all time Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. I pay my deep homage to the valiant freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifice in the War of Liberation for the cause of country’s Independence. I remember with gratitude the four national leaders and the people of all walks of life, including the heroic freedom fighters, the organisers and supporters of the Liberation War, foreign friends, war-wounded individuals and members of the martyrs’ families, who directly and indirectly contributed to our victory. The nation recalls their contributions with utmost respect. Independence is the greatest achievement of the Bengali nation. It gives us a sovereign country, independent nationhood, a sacred constitution, our own map and a red-green flag. In its backdrop, there was a prolonged history of deprivation, sanguinary struggle and supreme sacrifice of our people. The dream journey of Independence started at the time of Language Movement in 1952 and subsequently, came into reality on 26 March in 1971 through the proclamation of Independence by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, overcoming various ups and downs and staging long movement and agitation. The final victory was achieved under Bangabandhu’s leadership and guidance on 16 December in 1971 through a nine-month long armed war of liberation against Pakistani invading forces. The aims of our independence were to attain political sovereignty as well as people’s economic emancipation. Returning to the newly independent country after being freed from Pakistan’s prison, the Father of the Nation started his journey for achieving economic self-sufficiency by rebuilding economy and infrastructure of the war-torn country, keeping the aims of Independence in mind. He called for an agricultural revolution and launched a movement against corruption, black marketeers, profiteers and looters. But the progress of democracy and development came to a halt after the brutal assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with his near and dear ones committed by a group of anti-liberation forces on August 15, 1975. Consequently, the autocratic and undemocratic government was emerged. Overcoming various ups and downs, currently a democratic government has been established in the country. Imbued with the spirit and values of our Liberation War and Independence, the Government is making relentless efforts to materialise the unfinished tasks of Bangabandhu. With the successful implementation of Vision 2021 announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh has now become a Middle Income country. In continuation of this, Vision 2041 has been announced to turn Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous country. Despite various adversities, in recent years sustained economic growth is continuing as a result of various welfare programmes for mass people undertaken by the government. The country is advancing in every socio-economic index, including health, education, women’s empowerment, The Padma Bridge, a unique milestone in the development of Bangladesh, has already been opened for traffic. Besides recently Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated another hundred bridges in a single day. As a result, the countries communication systems have been changed radically and the speed of economic activities have also increased. I hope that the ongoing work of several other mega projects will soon be completed and a new chapter will begin in the development history of Bangladesh. Similarly, work of mega projects like Payra Sea Port, Elevated Expressway, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is progressing rapidly. Prior to overcoming the affect of COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine crisis is causing global economic recession and spike in inflation. The government has taken comprehensive programs including taking cost-cutting measures and providing various incentives. I hope under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we will be able to overcome the crisis, insha’Allah. All-out cooperation as well as a positive attitute of our people is imperative to take the ongoing development trend forward. Everyone should be vigilant so that political differences do not hinder our development process and social stability. Our foreign policy is being exercised in accordance with the principle of “Friendship to all. malice towards none” as enunciated by the Father of the Nation. Bangladesh believes in world peace and harmony. Bangladesh has set a unique example of humanity in international arena by providing shelter to millions of forcibly displaced and tortured Rohingyas fled from Myanmar. We believe in a peaceful solution of the crisis. Our expatriate Bangladeshis are making a significant contribution to the national economy by sending their hard-earned remittances to the country. The nation acknowledges their contribution with gratitude. I hope that during this global recession and economic crisis, our expatriate brothers and sisters will continue to send foreign remittance and play a positive role in the country’s development.
We shall have to give institutional shape to democracy in order to deliver the benefits of Independence at people’s doorstep, which we attained through the sacrifice of millions of martyrs. The political parties will have to nurture the culture of mutual respect and of tolerance of others opinion. Let us contribute more from our respective positions in implementing the spirit and values of war of liberation and take the nation towards the path of development and prosperity. Let our country turn into ‘Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal) as dreamt of by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman – this is my expectation on the great Victory Day.
Joi Bangla.
Khoda Hafez, May Bangladesh Live Forever.”