President greets countrymen marking the Golden Jubilee of Independence

President Md. Abdul Hamid has extended his heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to the countrymen marking the Independence and National Day, which is being celebrated this year as the Golden Jubilee of country's Independence.

"Today is 26th March, our Independence and National Day. This year we are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of our Independence. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to my fellow countrymen living at home and abroad," said the President in a message on the eve of the Independence and National Day.

Paying profound respect to the architect of independent Bangladesh Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the President said in the early hours of March 26 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman officially declared the Independence of Bangladesh.

On the fateful night of March 25, 1971, the invading forces of Pakistan suddenly attacked the unarmed Bangalees, he added.

"We achieved an independent and sovereign Bangladesh through a nine-month long liberation war. I recall with deep respect the millions of martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the War of Liberation and we achieved our Independence for their supreme sacrifice," he added.

The President also recalled with deep reverence the four National Leaders, valiant freedom-fighters, organizers, supporters, foreign friends and people from all walks of life who made contributions to attain our right to self-determination and freedom movement.

He said Bangladesh is now moving towards the highway of development at an inexorable pace. Bangladesh has achieved enormous success in various areas of socio-economic development including poverty alleviation, education, health, human resources development, women empowerment, reduction of child and maternal mortality rates, elimination of gender discrimination and increase in average life expectancy, he added.

The rate of poverty has dropped and per capita income has tripled over the past decade, he said, adding that the Padma Bridge, being constructed by own resources, is now completely visible. Works on Metro Rail, Payra Deep Sea Port, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's Third Terminal and Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant are also progressing uninterruptedly, he said.

In various indicators of economic and social development, Bangladesh has been able to surpass not only the neighboring countries, but also many developed ones, he added.

Despite the negative impact of the Corona pandemic on the world economy, the President said as a result of the timely and courageous steps of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the government has been able to maintain the economic growth on the expected track.

He said the government has announced 23 stimulus packages worth Taka 1 lakh 24 thousand crore to keep the wheels of economy rolling. Arrangements have also been made to provide COVID-19 vaccine, he said, adding, that Bangladesh ranks first in South Asia and 20th in the world in the 'COVID Resilience Ranking' compiled by the US news agency Bloomberg for successful handling of corona pandemic, economic revival and keeping the livelihoods running.

The President said Bangladesh recently received the recommendation from the United Nations for her emergence from a least developed country to a developing one. "It is a unique gift for the nation at the juncture of 'Mujibbarsho' and the 'Golden Jubilee' of our Independence. With the continuation of development process, Bangladesh will turn into a developed and prosperous country in the world by 2041, Insha Allah," said the President.

Despite being a densely populated country, Bangladesh has set a unique example of humanity in the world by sheltering millions of Rohingyas who have been tortured and forcibly deported from Myanmar, he said, adding that Bangladesh believes in a peaceful solution to this problem.

The President called upon the United Nations and the international community, including Myanmar, to take early and effective measures for permanent solution to Rohingya problem.

In order to achieve the desired goal of Independence, people-oriented and sustainable development, good governance, social justice, transparency and accountability will have to be ensured, he said.

The national parliament will have to be turned into the centre of hopes and aspirations of the people, he said, adding that the ruling party as well as the opposition should play a constructive role in this regard in the parliament.

He said Bangabandhu is the source of eternal inspiration for the Bengali nation. The government has extended the period of 'Mujib Barsho' till December 16, 2021 to celebrate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation grandiosely at home and abroad," he added.

"On the eve of 'Mujib Barsho' and the Golden Jubilee of our Independence, with the joint efforts of all, may our beloved motherland become a developed country free from hunger and poverty," the President hoped.