第３種郵便物認可 The Japan Times Tuesday, March 26, 2013 5 independence day For a prosperous nation Dedication from all to achieve our vision tion war should be reached to On this auspicious day of our Prime Minister of Bangladesh every nook and corner of the independence, I urge the coun- with effective democracy country. Cherishing the true his- trymen to remain united to foil I convey my heartiest greetings tory of the liberation war close to the ill-designed plots of the anti- to my countrymen as well as our hearts, we would have to go democratic and anti-liberation dul hamid Khan Bhasani, who all expatriate Bangalees on the ahead in achieving the objec- forces against the government Acting inspired our people at various occasion of the great Indepen- tives of the Charter of Change by and the people. stages for attaining the country’s dence and National Day of Ban- building a Bangladesh free from We have been striving hard to March 26 is our great indepen- self-sovereignty. The contribu- gladesh. corruption, mal-governance, ter- establish Bangladesh as a pov- dence and National day. On tions of those valiant sons of the March 26 is a glorious day in rorism, hunger and poverty. erty- hunger- and illiteracy-free the eve of the day, I convey my soil would be ever written in the our national life. On this great The present modern digital Bangladesh by heartfelt greetings and felicita- history of our independence. Father of the Nation day, I pay my deep homage government has been imple- the golden jubilee year of our in- tions to the fellow countrymen One of the prime objectives Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur to the 3 million martyrs and ers publicized the declaration menting huge development pro- dependence through implement- living at home and abroad. of our hard-earned indepen- Rahman 200,000 women who lost their widely through mikes. The inter- grams in all sectors, including ag- ing “Vision-2021.” I hope that all The historic Independence dence was to build a happy and innocence in the War of Libera- national media also had circu- riculture, education, health, law citizens of our country would Day is a glorious day in our prosperous Bangladesh. Keeping titude and respect for others’ tion in 1971. lated Bangabandhu’s proclama- and order, information technol- engage themselves with their national life. We achieved our that in mind, the government opinions are the pre-conditions I recall with deep gratitude the tion of independence. Under the ogy, energy and power and com- utmost sincerity, honesty and long-cherished independence is rendering untiring efforts in for a flourishing democracy. greatest Bangalee of all time, Fa- brave and dauntless leadership munications. The defeated anti- dedication to build Bangladesh through a nine-month-long to his clarion call, the people materializing the objectives of Therefore, it is of paramount im- ther of the Nation Bangabandhu of Bangabandhu, we earned the liberation, communal and identi- as a prosperous and prestigious armed struggle and supreme from all walks of life participat- independence. With the span portance to maintain patience, , under ultimate victory on Dec. 16, 1971, fied reactionary forces are trying country in the comity of nations. sacrifices of millions of people. ed in the War of Liberation and of time, we have achieved some forbearance at all levels and to whose dynamic leadership we after a nine-month, bloody war. to undermine democracy and I am confident that Insha- On this solemn day, I pay my achieved victory through armed significant progress in the fields be respectful to others’ opinions earned our great independence. The independence earned the development process of our Allah, with our united efforts, we deep homage to the martyrs who struggle. I also recall with deep of agriculture, education, health, in a democratic pluralism. Let us I also pay my humble tributes through huge bloodbath and beloved country at a time when would surely achieve our golden laid down their lives in the War respect our four national lead- rural infrastructure, communi- make our a center to four national leaders and the sacrifice is our people’s greatest our government had executed Bangladesh as envisioned by the of Liberation in 1971. I pray to ers; valiant freedom-fighters cations, information and com- of excellence in solving our na- valiant freedom fighters, who achievement. To ensure that this the verdict of Bangabandhu’s as- Father of the Nation. the Almighty for the salvation of and organizers who rendered munications technology (ICT), tional issues through discussion. had fought against the Pakistani achievement remains meaning- sassination case, and is holding Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu, those departed souls. their dedicated efforts and en- small and medium-size enter- I am confident that everybody occupation forces to free our be- ful, the spirit of our great libera- the trial of the war criminals. May Bangladesh live forever. On this very memorable day, thusiastic support that acceler- prises (SME), youth and sports, irrespective of party affiliation loved motherland. I extend my I recall with profound respect ated the achievement of our women and children, women’s would play responsible roles in sympathies to those who had The Father of The Nation Bang- victory. I also remember with empowerment, etc. At the same fulfilling the hopes and aspira- lost their near and dear ones, Visualizing a digital knowledge-based country abandhu sheikh Mujibur rah- deep respect the contributions time, we have also attained tions of our common people. and were subjected to brutal man, who proclaimed country’s of late sher-e-Bangla a. K. Fa- notable advancement in the The present government, torture and subjugation during Dr. Dipu Moni 1970 and the refusal to hand over defeated anti-liberation, com- independence at the early hours zlul haque, huseyn shaheed corporate sector including the under the leadership of Prime the war. Foreign Minister of Bangladesh power by the Pakistani authori- munal and identified reaction- on March 26, 1971. Responding Suhrawardy and Moulana ab- areas of ready-made garments, Minister Sheikh Hasina, has de- I recall with gratitude our for- ties led to the non-cooperation ary forces are trying to destabi- pharmaceuticals, ceramics and clared “Vision-2021” with a view eign friends who had extended Today, Bangladesh celebrates movement, culminating in the lize the country and derail the the shipbuilding industry. The to attaining the “Golden Bangla” their whole-hearted support and the 42nd anniversary of her declaration of independence by democratic and development Further deepening our friendly ties government is also very sincere dreamed by Bangabandhu. I cooperation for the cause of our glorious Inde- Bangabandhu when the genocide process. They are out to portray to establish the rule of law, hu- believe people from all strata of liberation. pendence day. began. We achieved our long- a negative image of the country Taro Aso man rights in the country. Our life would contribute to build an The Father of the Nation As we celebrate cherished independence through outside Bangladesh. I urge the President, Japan-Bangladesh parliamentarians’ League achievement in the internation- IT-based, happy and prosperous Bangabandhu sheikh Mujibur the day, I con- a nine-month-long armed strug- international community to add al arena is also praiseworthy. Bangladesh by materializing the Rahman proclaimed the inde- vey my heartfelt gle and supreme sacrifices of mil- their voice to the overwhelm- On behalf of the Japan-Bangladesh Yet, we have to go a long way for “Vision” in the golden jubilee of pendence of Bangladesh at the greetings and fe- lions of people. ing popular demand emanating Parliamentarians’ League, I would like to achieving the desired goals of in- independence in 2021. first hour of March 26, 1971, after licitations to my We have made giant strides from the people of Bangladesh extend my heartiest congratulations to the dependence and building a hap- On this Independence day, the occupation forces launched compatriots liv- to achieve the objectives of the and join in their condemnation government and people of the People’s py and prosperous Bangladesh. I I urge all, living at home and a sudden attack on innocent ing at home and Charter of Change that will lead of those found guilty of crimes Republic of Bangladesh on the auspicious believe concerted efforts from all abroad, to work imbued with the and unarmed Bangalees on the abroad. I recall with profound to Bangabandhu’s “Sonar Ban- against humanity, genocide and occasion of the country’s Independence Day. strata irrespective of party affilia- spirit of the War of Liberation to black night of March 25, 1971. respect the Father of the Nation gla”’ — the Golden . We war crimes. Ever since Bangladesh’s independence in tion are imperative in this regard. expedite economic self-reliance Bangabandhu’s proclamation Bangabandhu sheikh Mujibur can visualize a middle-income, On this very special day, I take 1971, Japan and Bangladesh have consistently The people of our country are and democratic advancement of was spread all over the country Rahman, who proclaimed the digital knowledge-based Ban- the opportunity to thank all our built close, friendly relations. Both countries democracy-loving. Without the the country. through telegrams, tele-printers country’s independence in the gladesh in 2021. We are deeply officials and staff at the Ministry share a strong and stable bond based on institutionalization of democ- May the Almighty be with us. and ePR wireless. at each and early hours on March 26, 1971. involved in the process of mul- of Foreign affairs and our mis- mutual interest, confidence and spirit of cooperation. racy, the overall development Khoda Hafez, may Bangladesh every district and subdivision, I also pay my deep homage to tilateralism through global and sions abroad who have devoted I myself paid an official visit to Bangladesh in July 2006 as is hard to attain. Tolerance, for- live forever. Awami League leaders and work- the martyrs who laid down their regional commitments in line themselves to achieve our for- then foreign minister, and since 2008, I have sought to promote lives in the War of Liberation in with the policy of “friendship eign policy objectives. I also con- the friendship between Japan and Bangladesh as the president 1971 and the hundreds of thou- to all and malice toward none” gratulate the Bangladesh diaspo- of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentarians’ League. Testament to our ever-evolving bilateral relations sands of women who were raped enunciated by Bangabandhu. ra who have been contributing to Especially last year, in which Japan and Bangladesh by the occupation Pakistani We remain pledge-bound to the buoyancy of the economy of celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations, the active exchanges Masud Bin Momen lant statesmanship that eventually ment of Bangladesh has conferred armed forces, the auxiliary forces bring the perpetrators of atroci- their country of origin as well as in various fields further strengthened the bilateral friendship, Ambassador of Bangladesh led to the culmination of an inde- Friends of Liberation War Honour, and their local collaborators. ties committed during the War of of their host countries. with which I am extremely pleased. The Japan-Bangladesh pendent Bangladesh. I also recall the highest state award given by It all began with the assertion Liberation in 1971 to justice. The Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu. Parliamentarians’ League celebrated 40 years of our diplomatic On the auspi- with due respect the other great the government of Bangladesh to of a national identity in the face of relations through the welcoming of the foreign and finance cious occasion leaders who struggled to bring six distinguished Japanese nation- systematic denial, discrimination ministers of Bangladesh as well as sending our delegation to of the 42nd In- about justice and emancipation to als for their invaluable support and deprivation of that identity Dacca last year. We are very happy now that the Japan Mint has dependence and the Bangalee people. I also pay my during our liberation war in 1971. rooted in a millennia-old heritage won its order to produce 500 million 2-taka coins for National day of deep homage to the sacrifices of The government of Japan recog- of language, culture and customs. Bangladesh using Japanese technology. I expect this will be the Bangladesh, I, our valiant freedom fighters, 3 mil- nized Bangladesh as a sovereign It evolved through the shaping of new cooperation between the two countries. on behalf of the lion martyrs as well as the affected state immediately after our lib- political demands for inclusion Bangladesh’s economy, which is continuing to progress at a people and the 300,000 women and children. eration on Feb. 4, 1972, bearing a and equal access to opportuni- high annual rate of 6 percent, is attractive for countries looking government of During our liberation war, Japa- testament and nourishment in our ties, against marginalization of to invest. Japanese companies, which have made an advance Bangladesh, take this opportunity nese politicians led by Takashi ever-evolving bilateral relations. the Bangalee people and their into Bangladesh, are increasing their presence and exports from to convey our deepest reverence to Hayakawa and intelligentsia led by Finally, we would like to rec- cultural essence. The landslide Bangladesh to Japan are increasing, too. I am glad that Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Tsuyoshi Nara created ardent pub- ognize the contributions of our victory for the Awami League in investment and trade between the two countries are being Akihito and Empress Michiko and lic opinion in support of the inde- expatriates to both countries. the first ever general elections in promoted and the bilateral economic relations are steadily our warm wishes to h.E. Prime pendence of Bangladesh as well as developing. Minister Shinzo Abe. On this day, appeal for contributing relief and Bangladesh, which calls Japan “a true friend,” is an important I greatly recall with solemn fervor, rehabilitation of the millions of country for Japan. The Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentarians’ the Father of the Nation Bang- Bangalee refugees. In recognition League will continue to contribute in deepening the amicable abandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of the Japanese support to our war bilateral relations. for his visionary leadership and gal- of liberation, the present govern- In conclusion, I would like to extend my best wishes to the people of Bangladesh for their health and prosperity.

PAGE: 5