26 March 2007, Intercontinental Regency

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

A warm and cordial welcome to you all! We are honoured and delighted to have you with us as we celebrate our 36th Independence and National Day. 

26 March, as you know, is the day the independence of Bangladesh was formally proclaimed after the Black Night of 25 March. This morning our nation gathered once again at the altar of the National Martyrs’ Monument to pay homage to the three million martyrs through whose supreme sacrifice we achieved sovereign and independent Bangladesh.

It is a matter of satisfaction that we are celebrating the 36th year of our Independence in the backdrop of sustained economic growth and social progress in Bangladesh. Our country has also been playing an ever increasing role in international and global affairs, that is to say, international peace, security and socio-economic development.

For about a decade now, Bangladesh has been either the largest or among the largest contributors of peacekeepers to the United Nations Peacekeeping operations across four continents, including the most high risk conflict areas.

South Asia naturally forms the cornerstone of our diplomacy. Bangladesh thus took the initiative in launching SAARC – the regional economic cooperation organization which we hope will bring in unprecedented peace, progress and prosperity for South Asia - a region that represents about one-fourth of humanity.

Our Constitution also enjoins the State to seek to consolidate, preserve and strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim countries. Our privileged relationship with the Kingdom of Bahrain is naturally inspired also by this commitment.

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

The great leaders of our nation envisioned an independent, prosperous, and progressive country – a country at peace with itself, with its neighbours and with the rest of the world. A country where people would freely exercise their political, economic, social and cultural rights. A state built on democratic principles and values. A country where freedom of thought, conscience and expression would be guaranteed - where the State would ensure social justice.   

Our freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for such a country. I would underline for my fellow countrymen here that true tribute is paid to the martyrs and our leaders only by the progress we realize in realizing their cherished dreams.

This year, 26 March assumes special significance as our country goes through a historic phase of national re-awakening and renaissance of the spirit and ethos of the war of independence.  With a view to holding peaceful, fair and impartial elections, the Care-Taker Government is engaged, in reforming democratic institutions, in establishing rule of law, good governance, transparency and accountability at all levels, and in consolidating national unity and solidarity.

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Bangladesh nationals represent the second largest expatriate community in Bahrain. We appreciate the employment opportunities provided by the Kingdom to our people. It is gratifying that their positive contribution is recognized and appreciated by the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

I call upon my fellow countrymen to demonstrate, by their words and deeds, that each one of them is a goodwill ambassador of Bangladesh in this immensely magnanimous Kingdom.          

Bangladesh and Bahrain enjoy excellent relations based on identical values, shared perceptions and common traditions. We have an unfailing record of mutual support and cooperation at the United Nations and other international forums.

There exists considerable potential for mutually enriching exchanges between our two countries. Bangladesh stands ready to explore further areas of cooperation including human resources, exchange of experience and expertise, and exchange of best practices.

I siege this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for the gracious message of felicitations sent on the occasion to the President and the people of Bangladesh.

We have also been honoured by the greetings from His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Chief Adviser of the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh.

It has been a source of great encouragement to note the deep interest and commitment of His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Commander in Chief of the Bahrain Defence Forces to fostering relations with Bangladesh. Our people have been deeply touched by the gracious invitation extended to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s Nobel Peace Laureate, from His Highness and by the honour conferred upon him by His Majesty the King.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Foreign Minister and his colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the unfailing support and cooperation extended to me in carrying out my mission in the Kingdom.

Long live Bangladesh!  Long live Bahrain!  Long live Bangladesh-Bahrain friendship!