6 | The Times | Tuesday, March 26, 2019 Independence Day Special In pursuit of prosperity, development Buddha Dhatu Jadi, also known as the Bandarban Golden all would be written in golden letters in the 2041. Bangladesh is now being branded as a Temple, is the largest history of our independence forever. role model for outstanding success in socio- Theravada Buddhist We have achieved our hard-earned economic development. temple in Bangla- Today is March 26, independence through huge sacrifices. In pursuing our diplomatic objectives, desh. The temple is the Independence Bangabandhu always cherished a dream of the government has been consistent in located in Bandarban Day of Bangladesh. building a happy and prosperous country upholding the principle of “friendship to district in the south- On the occasion of along with achieving political emancipa- all, malice towards none’’ as enunciated eastern part of the our great indepen- tion. Immediately after independence, by the father of the nation. Our achieve- country. embassy of dence and National he had taken all-out steps in rebuilding ment in the international arena is also bangladesh Day, I extend my the economy of the war-ravaged country. commendable. Our expatriate Bangla- heartfelt greetings Keeping that in mind, the present govern- deshis have also been making significant and warm felicita- ment has been rendering untiring efforts in contributions to our national economy have started the new journey after the 11th ize Bangabandhu’s dream of transforming tions to my fellow materializing the dream of Bangabandhu. through sending their hard-earned remit- parliamentary elections. Collective initiative Bangladesh into Sonar Bangla (Golden Ban- countrymen living at home and abroad. After a long struggle, Bangladesh is now tances home. Nevertheless, we have a long is necessary to implement the development gladesh). Sincere and collective efforts are On this historic day, I recall with pro- The father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh moving toward development and pros- way to go for achieving the desired goals of ideas of the government and make the par- imperative to implement the programs. found respect the architect of our indepen- Mujibur Rahman perity. Besides, the overall development, independence. We must ensure good gov- liament meaningful. I hope the national par- Imbued with the spirit of the war of lib- dence, father of the nation Bangabandhu the implementation of mega-projects like ernance, social justice, transparency and liament will become the center of the hopes eration and democratic values, let us work . I pay my deep freedom fighters, organizers, supporters, our Padma Bridge, Metro Rail and a nuclear accountability to make the development and aspirations of the people. For this, together irrespective of party affiliation to homage to the martyrs and valiant sons of foreign friends and people from all walks power plant are ongoing. With the launch- people-oriented and sustainable. the ruling party, as well as the opposition, make our hard-earned independence more the soil, who made the supreme sacrifice in of life who made immense contributions ing of the Bangabandhu-I satellite, we have Democracy and development comple- would have to play constructive roles. The meaningful. Let this be the pledge of our the war of liberation. I also recall with deep to attain our right to self-determination in cemented our place in space. We are dream- ment each other. (the present government has set “Vision 2021” independence and national day. reverence our four national leaders, valiant the war of liberation. The contributions of ing of a developed Bangladesh by the year national parliament) and the government and “Vision 2041,” respectively, to material- Khoda Hafez, may Bangladesh live forever. Projected benchmarks achieved in all sectors throughout the past decade

Sheikh Hasina bur Rahman, under whose undisputed abandhu. They were compelled to hold . Bangabandhu formally proclaimed ment in the world. Our government is The people made the Bangladesh Awami PRIME MINISTER OF BANGLADESH leadership we earned our coveted indepen- general elections in 1970. The Bangladesh the independence of Bangladesh at the first maintaining a “zero tolerance” policy to League victorious in the recent 11th parlia- dence. I pay my deep homage to the 3 mil- led by Bangabandhu won hour of March 26, 1971. Under the brave tackle militancy, terrorism and the drug mentary elections. We will fully honor the I convey my hearti- lion martyrs and 200,000 women who lost an overwhelming majority in the elections. and dauntless leadership of Bangabandhu, menace. For the first time in the world, we huge mandate that the people of our coun- est greetings and their honor in the war of liberation. I also But the Pakistani rulers, instead of handing we earned the ultimate victory on Dec. 16, have formulated a 100-year plan named try have given us. We will turn Bangladesh congratulations to pay my tribute to the four national leaders over the power to the majority party in a 1971, after a bloody nine-month war. “Delta Plan 2100.” Bangladesh is one of the into a middle-income country by 2021 and my countrymen, as who steered the war of liberation in the democratic way, launched repressive mea- The independence earned through the top five countries in the world in terms of a developed and prosperous one by 2041, well as all expatri- absence of Bangabandhu. My homage goes sures against them. Bangabandhu, in his supreme sacrifices of millions of people is economic development. Ninety percent of Insha Allah (God willing). ate Bangalees, on to the valiant freedom fighters, including March 7 historic address at the then-Ramna the greatest achievement of the Bangalee development work is financed by our own Let us come and uphold the develop- the occasion of the those wounded. I extend my sympathies Race Course declared, “The struggle of this nation. resources. We have executed the verdict ment and democratic spree being imbued great Independence to those who had lost their near and dear time is for emancipation, the struggle for Being imbued with the spirit of the free- of the trial of the killers of Bangabandhu, with the spirit of the freedom struggle. Let and National Day of ones, and were subjected to brutal torture this time for our independence, Joy Ban- dom struggle, the Awami League govern- establishing the rule of law. The verdicts us engage ourselves for the welfare of the Bangladesh. during the war. I recall with gratitude our gla.” He instructed the Bangalee nation to ment has relentlessly been working to of the trials of the war criminals are also country and nation. Let us build a hun- March 26 is the day of earning self-iden- foreign friends who had extended their resist the enemies. develop the country. We have been accom- being executed. The trials of war crimi- ger-, poverty-free; happy and prosperous tity for our nation. It’s the day of breaking wholehearted support and cooperation for The occupation forces unleashed a sud- plishing the unfinished work of the father nals will continue as per our pledges to Sonar Bangladesh (Golden Bangladesh) as the shackles of subjugation. On the eve of the cause of our liberation. den attack and started killing innocent of the nation. We have achieved expected the nation. Due to the continuation of the dreamed by the father of the nation. On the independence day, I recall with deep grati- The Bangalee nation had fought against and unarmed Bangalees on the black night developments in every sector during the Awami League government, grass-roots historic day, let this be our commitment. tude the greatest Bangalee of all time, father Pakistani oppression and deprivation for of March 25, 1971. They killed thousands last 10 years. Bangladesh has become the people are now getting the dividend of the , Joi Bangabandhu. of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Muji- long 23 years under the leadership of Bang- of people in cities and towns, including role model of socioeconomic develop- development. May Bangladesh Live Forever.

PAGE: 6 Tuesday, March 26, 2019 | The Japan Times | 7 Bangladesh Independence Day Special Steady achievements at Internet access among major priorities home and internationally Rabab Fatima promoting friendly relations between our in the region. Our gross domestic prod- mation and communications technology Ambassador of Bangladesh two countries. I congratulate and extend uct growth has remained steady at over 6 (ICT) outsourcing destination, with annual warmest felicitations to them on this percent for the last decade, and was 7.86 export earnings in the ICT sector at over $1 A.K. Abdul Momen gladesh becoming an upper middle-income I extend my warm- happy occasion. percent last year. Foreign direct investment billion this year and it is expected to sur- FOREIGN MINISTER OF BANGLADESH country by 2021 and developed country by est greetings to the Japan has been one of our most impor- to Bangladesh is expanding significantly. pass $5 billion by 2021. 2041. She hopes to realize Bangabandhu’s readers of The Japan tant development partners since our One-hundred special economic zones are Prime Minister ’s develop- On the occasion of dream of Sonar Bangla, a prosperous, exploi- Times on the 48th independence. Today, this strong relation- being developed in Bangladesh, includ- ment and growth road maps, “Vision 2021” March 26, the great tation-free, just and developed Bangladesh. Anniversary of the ship stands firm on the foundations of a ing one exclusively for Japanese investors. and “Vision 2041,” place an inclusive and Independence and Now Bangladesh is on a pathway to pros- Independence and comprehensive partnership. Japan is our I invite Japanese investors to be a part of participatory development model at the National Day of Ban- perity. Currently, Bangladesh is marching National Day of top export destination in Asia, and two- this exciting time in Bangladesh and to take center of all national development efforts. gladesh, I extend my forward with a more than 7.86 percent gross Bangladesh. way bilateral trade is over $3 billion and advantage of the special incentives being This has resulted in notable strides in pov- heartfelt greetings domestic product growth rate. The number On this auspicious expanding at a steady pace. We are also provided. erty eradication, public health, education and warm felicita- of working women has increased from 6 occasion, I pay deep encouraged to see the growing number Our industrial sector is also witnessing and women’s advancement. tions to all Bangalees percent to 38 percent in the workforce. The homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur of Japanese companies in Bangladesh, rapid expansion. Bangladesh is the second- As a leading contributor to global U.N. living both home introduction of six months leave, maternity Rahman, the father of the nation who led with over 280 of them now operating in largest ready-made garment producer peacekeeping, Bangladesh remains com- and abroad. and child care allowances, establishment us in our movement for independence. Bangladesh. in the world. Japan is our largest export mitted to promoting international peace On this great historic day, I recall with of free community clinics are a few critical I convey my profound respect to Their Bangladesh has one of the friendliest destination in Asia and No. 1 destination and security. We will continue to work profound reverence the greatest Bangalee of interventions that have lowered maternal Imperial Majesties, Emperor Akihito and foreign investment and trade environ- of apparel products among our non-tra- closely with Japan toward our shared all time. Father of the nation, Bangabandhu mortality by 67 percent and infant death by Empress Michiko, and convey warmest ments in the region. We are blessed with ditional markets. Top priority has been vision and commitment to peace, stability Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who proclaimed 75 percent. greetings to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the a large pool of skilled labor. The World placed on expanding internet connectivity and sustainable development in our region the country’s independence on March 26, In the last 10 years, the size of our national government and friendly people of Japan. Economic Forum’s Development Index and digitization in line with the govern- and on the international stage. 1971. Under his visionary leadership, we budget increased by more than five times. I would like to recognize the contribu- ranks Bangladesh at 34th among emerging ment’s “Digital Bangladesh” project is now Long live the Japan-Bangladesh achieved our long-cherished independence On one hand, while Bangladesh is now rec- tion of my fellow in Japan in economies, and one of the best performers in sight. Bangladesh is now a leading infor- friendship! through a nine-month armed struggle. ognized as a role model of development, on With deep respect, I recall the supreme the other, it has been steadily achieving suc- sacrifices made by our war heroes, the 3 cesses, earning many international awards million martyrs and the wounded freedom and accolades. As a consequence, the United Growing partnership marked by expanding business opportunities fighters. I also pay my profound gratitude Nations has recently announced Bangla- to the people from all walks of life and desh’s eligibility for graduation to the status Taro Aso maintained a good relationship based on desh and Myanmar, along with the coop- ing and growing relationship between especially the members of our diaspora of a developing country from the status of a President, Japan-Bangladesh the common values of peace and democ- eration of the United Nations. We would Japan and Bangladesh. On behalf of the and the diplomatic front who, during and least developed country. With the successful Parliamentary Friendship League racy. I made an official visit to Bangladesh like to continue to support the efforts of parliamentary league, I would like to after our war of liberation, played a vital launching of the Bangabandhu-1 satellite, as foreign minister in July 2006 and have Bangladesh. express my congratulations on this open- role in gaining international recognition. the first Bangladeshi geostationary commu- On the occasion of been working to promote friendship The Bangladeshi economy maintains ing. Moreover, Japanese companies have I also acknowledge with deep gratitude nication satellite, we have embarked toward the Independence between the two countries as president its stable growth with the annual growth been awarded some of this project and I the enormous contributions of our foreign communication technology of a new height. and National Day of of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary rate of more than 7 percent, attracting am proud that the technologies of Japan friends in the emergence of an independent I congratulate all in Bangladesh, I would Friendship League since 2008. many Japanese companies. The num- support the sustainable economic devel- Bangladesh. every corner of the world that are contrib- like to express I highly appreciate that the Bangladesh ber of Japanese companies operating opment of Bangladesh through these The charismatic leadership of the father uting to the improvement of the image of my heartfelt con- government has been supporting the dis- in Bangladesh is now more than 280. projects. I am looking forward to the suc- of the nation united the whole nation like Bangladesh. I thank all the members of the gratulations to the placed persons from the Rakhine state of This month, the opening ceremony of cessful completion of this project. a solid rock under one umbrella. Bang- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our missions government and Myanmar since August 2017 with maxi- the Kanchpur 2nd Bridge in the Kanch- Japan hopes that Bangladesh will con- abandhu was not only the leader of the abroad who have been working with deep the people of Ban- mum care from a humanitarian point pur, Meghna, and Gumti 2nd Bridges tinue to advance democracy in the coun- Bangalee, but also a forerunner in realizing commitment to uphold our national inter- gladesh on behalf of view. The Japanese government has Construction and Existing Bridges Reha- try, support further development and the rights of the oppressed and deprived est across nations. of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary extended approximately $100 million bilitation Project that link Dhaka and prosperity and would like to further bilat- people of the world. Bangabandhu, the great On this historic day of independence, let Friendship League. through international and nongovern- Chittagong on the National Highway eral relations. The parliamentary league architect of our liberation war dreamed us all vow to transform Bangladesh into a Since the establishment of the dip- mental organizations over the last two No. 1, took place with the kind presence will continue to contribute to it. of a happy, prosperous, exploitation-free prosperous, technology-based and devel- lomatic relations in 1972, Japan and years. The parliamentary league hopes of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This I would like to conclude by wishing and equitable Sonar Bangla (Golden Ban- oped Sonar Bangla. Bangladesh have helped each other as that early repatriation will take place project is one of the symbolic projects for further prosperity of the people of gladesh). His able successor, his daughter, Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu. May Ban- traditionally friendly nations who have based on the agreement between Bangla- that represents the rapidly develop- Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina aims at Ban- gladesh live forever.

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PAGE: 7 8 | The Japan Times | Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Bangladesh Independence Day Special

Firm dedication to progress

Shahriar Alam parliament of Bangladesh declared March clarion call of Bangabandhu during the lib- STATE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS 25 as National Genocide Day to commemo- eration war. OF BANGLADESH rate the genocide carried out by Pakistani Bangabandhu had a dream of bringing forces on the black night of March 25, 1971. smiles to the faces of Bangalee people. He Today is March 26, Bangabandhu, the architect of Bangladesh, wanted to make them free from exploita- our great Indepen- declared the independence of Bangladesh tion, hunger, poverty and subjugation. The dence and National in the wee hours of March 26, 1971. Bangla- daughter of our founding father, the cur- Day. This is the day of desh made its place on the world map as rent Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh breaking shackles of an independent and sovereign state with Hasina has been leading the development subjugation; a day of self-esteem through the nine-month-long pursuits of Bangladesh. Recently, the people reaching the enlight- liberation war. of Bangladesh fortified their support on her ened world from the On this very day, I pay profound reverence with huge public support in the 11th general abyss of darkness. to the great hero of the war of independence, elections. As a result of pragmatic initiatives On this very day in the architect of great independence, Bang- commenced by the Awami League gov- 1971, the Bangalee nation started the war abandhu, who led his people from the front ernment, Bangladesh has now been trans- of liberation against the misrule, exploita- in various movements and struggles from formed into a trade-dependent country tion and repression of Pakistani rule with the 1952 language movement to the 1971 from an aid-dependent one. Currently, Ban- the clarion call from our father of the nation liberation war to the greatest achievement gladesh is marching forward with $1,752 per Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. of -independent Ban- capita income and a more than 7.86 percent Pakistani occupation forces committed gladesh. With profound love and respect, I growth rate. As a result, Bangladesh has been one of the worst genocides indiscrimi- recall the supreme sacrifices made by our recognized as a role model of development. nately on March 25, 1971, in an attempt to war heroes, the 3 million martyrs and the On this auspicious day, I thank all the silence the Bangalee nation forever. Mass wounded freedom fighters. members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs killings during the liberation war are a On this historic moment, I recall the con- and our missions abroad who have been black chapter not only in the history of tributions of the officials of the then-Foreign working with sustained dedication and Bangladesh, but also in the history of world Ministry who worked to build public opin- commitment in achieving our foreign policy humanity. In August 2017, the national ion all over the world in response to the objectives and promote national interest of Bangladesh on the world stage. Also, my heartfelt felicitations go to the Bangladeshi diaspora that has been contributing unceas- ingly to the development of our motherland by sending invaluable remittances home and brightening the image of Bangladesh globally by practicing Bangla and Bengali culture abroad. On this glorious day, being imbued with the spirit of our great liberation war and with a view to building Bangabandhu’s dream of Sonar Bangla (Golden Bangla- desh), let us take a fresh vow to devote This content was ourselves to work from our respective posi- Local women dance at the Boisabi Utsab, a festival in Bangladesh. compiled in col- tions in advancing the ongoing develop- Green Channel laboration with the ment efforts of the present government to embassy. The views strengthen the hands of our prime minis- expressed here do ter and build a better world for our future not necessarily generations. reflect those of the Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu. newspaper. May Bangladesh live forever.

Congratulations on the 48th Anniversary of the Independence of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

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