ZCZC
BSS-23
MESSAGE-PRESIDENT-VICTORY DAY
President greets countrymen on Victory Day
DHAKA, Dec 15, 2018 (BSS) – President Abdul Hamid has extended heartfelt
greetings and warm felicitations to the countrymen at home and abroad on the
occasion of the 48th anniversary of the Victory Day.
“December 16 is the great Victory Day of Bangladesh. On this day in 1971,
Bangladesh emerged as an independent and sovereign country in the world map
through the surrender of Pakistani occupation forces,” he said in a message
on the eve of the Victory Day.
“Bir Bangali made an episode of glorious tale of victory. On the eve of
the victory day, I extend my sincere felicitations and warm greetings to my
fellow countrymen living at home and abroad”, he said.
The President said independence is the greatest achievement of the Bangali
nation. Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the
undisputed leader, declared the historic independence on March 26, 1971 after
overcoming various ups and downs and staging long movement and agitation
against Pakistani rulers, he added.
“The ultimate victory was achieved through a nine-month long war of
liberation under his uncompromising leadership and guidance. Today, I recall
with profound respect the greatest Bangali 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”, he said.
He also extended his deep gratitude to the organisers and supporters,
foreign friends and the people from all strata who directly and indirectly
made meaningful contributions to our war of liberation.
Bangabandhu dreamt of building a happy and prosperous Bangladesh. He
started the journey by rebuilding the economy and infrastructure of the war-
ravaged country, the President said.
But the country’s democracy and development progress came to a halt after
the assassination of Father of the Nation and his near and dear ones on
August 15, 1975, he said. The President said the emergence of autocracy and
undemocratic government came into being.
Democracy has now been restored in the country through a long movement and
various acclivity and declivity, he added.
With the formulation of appropriate planning and making its best
implementation, Bangladesh has attained the status of low-middle-income
country and graduated from least developed country (LDC) to a developing
country, he said.
“The Padma Bridge, which is being constructed by our own resources, is now
a reality. Mega projects like Metro Rail, Elevated Expressway are being
implemented”, said the President.
“Bangladesh is now a proud member of the elite satellite club through
launching of Bangabandhu-1 Satellite into the space. With successive economic
growth, Bangladesh is marching forward in every socio-economic indicator
including education, health, women empowerment, per capita income etc,” he
said.
Abdul Hamid said “I am confident that Bangladesh will turn into a
prosperous country by 2041, Insha Allah through the continuation of the
ongoing development,”.
The eleventh parliamentary election is being held in December, the month of
our victory, he said adding in democratic system, people exercise their power
and choose their desired candidate through the election.
“I hope that people will elect honest, capable and patriotic candidates in
the upcoming election and continue the development and advancement of the
country. Let the glory of democracy be strengthened through the festive mood
of election- it is my expectation” he said.
The President said our foreign policy is being exercised in accordance with
the principle “Friendship to all, malice towards none” as adopted by Father
of the Nation. Bangladesh has set a unique example of humanity in
international arena by providing shelter to millions of forcefully displaced
and tortured Rohingyas fled from Myanmar, he said.
“Bangladesh believes in a peaceful solution to the problem. I urge the UN
and the international community including Myanmar, to take immediate
effective measures for the permanent settlement of this problem”, said the
President.
Collective efforts, irrespective of party affiliation, are imperative to
reach the benefits of freedom, attained through the sacrifice of millions of
martyrs, at people’s doorstep, he said.
On the eve of the victory day, he urged the countrymen to make more
contributions from their respective positions in implementing the spirit of
the war of liberation and take the nation towards a prosperous future.
On the occasion of great victory day, he expressed his hope that
coordinated efforts will turn Bangladesh into ‘Sonar Bangla’ (Golden Bengal)
as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
BSS/PR-DH/KU/1902 HRS