DHAKA, Dec 15, 2023 (BSS) - President Mohammed Shahabuddin has greeted the countrymen living at home and abroad on the occasion of the 53rd Victory Day.

""Today is 16 December. Our great Victory Day. On this day in 1971, we achieved our long-cherished victory after a long struggle and a nine-month bloody war. It gave us a sovereign country, independent nationhood, a sacred constitution, our own map and a red-green flag. On this jovial day, I extend my sincere felicitations and warm greetings to my fellow countrymen living at home and abroad," he said in a message issued today.

The head of the state recalled with profound respect the greatest Bangalee of all time Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman alongside paying deep homage to the valiant freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifice in the War of Liberation for the cause of country's independence.

He remembered with gratitude the four national leaders, the heroic freedom fighters, two lakh oppressed women, the organizers and supporters of the Liberation War, foreign friends, war-wounded individuals and members of the martyrs' families including people of all walks of life who directly and indirectly contributed to the victory.

The nation recalls their contributions with utmost respect, he added.

Independence is the greatest achievement of the Bengali nation, he said, adding that in its backdrop, there was a prolonged history of deprivation, sanguinary struggle and supreme sacrifice of country's people.

The dream journey of independence started with the great Language Movement in 1952, subsequently, came into reality on 26 March in 1971 through the proclamation of Independence by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, overcoming various ups and downs and staging long movement and agitation, he said.

 The final victory was achieved under Bangabandhu's leadership and guidance on 16 December 1971 through a nine-month long armed war of liberation against Pakistani invading forces, he added.

The President said Bangabandhu's aim was to attain political sovereignty as well as people's economic emancipation.

Returning to the newly independent country from Pakistan's prison, keeping the aims of independence in mind, the Father of the Nation started his journey for achieving economic self-sufficiency by rebuilding economy and infrastructure of the war-torn country, he said.

Bangabandhu called for an agricultural revolution and launched a movement against corruption, black marketers, profiteers and looters, he mentioned.

But the progress of democracy and development was halted after the brutal assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with his family members and relatives committed by anti-liberation forces on 15 August 1975, he said.

Consequently, the journey to the democracy and development was obstructed while the autocratic and undemocratic government emerged, he said.

He said Bangladesh is now marching on the path of democracy and development.

Imbued with the spirit and values of our Liberation War and Independence, the Government is making relentless efforts to materialize the unfinished tasks of Bangabandhu, the head of the state added.

With the successful implementation of 'Vision 2021' announced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has now become a Middle Income country, he said.

In its continuation, 'Vision 2041' has been announced to turn Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous country, he added.

Despite various adversities, Bangladesh is achieving sustained economic growth continuously due to various welfare programs for mass people undertaken by the government, he said.

The country is advancing in every index of socio-economic development including health, education and women empowerment, he said.

A new chapter has been opened in the history of development of Bangladesh with the implementation of the Padma Bridge- a unique milestone, Dhaka Metro Rail; Dhaka Elevated Expressway; Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel; Padma Bridge Rail Connecting Project and Dhaka-Bhanga Rail Line; Chottogram-Cox's Bazar, Khulna-Mongla and Akhaura-Agortola Rail Connecting Project; Hazrat Shajalal International Airport-Third Terminal; Chattogram Elevated Expressway: Matarbari Thermal Power Plant; Purbachal Expressway; and Ghorashal Polash Urea Fertilizer Factory, he said.

Besides, Bangladesh became the member of world atomic club with the graduation of Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant, he said, adding that currently, various geopolitical crises are causing global economic recession and spike in inflation when the country could hardly mitigate the adverse effect of COVID-19 pandemic.

The government has taken comprehensive programs including cost-cutting measures and providing various incentives to overcome the crisis, he said.

The President hoped that under the prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh will be able to overcome the crisis.

All-out cooperation as well as a positive attitude of people is imperative to take the ongoing development trend forward, he said.

Everyone should be vigilant so that political differences can not hinder the country's development process and social stability, he said.

"Our foreign policy is being exercised in accordance with the principle of "Friendship to all, malice towards none" as enunciated by the Father of the Nation. Bangladesh believes in world peace and harmony. War cannot bring solutions to any crisis. Bangladesh believes that any crisis can peacefully be solved through dialogue," he said.

He said Bangladesh has strongly condemned Israel's heinous aggression, atrocity and bombing on mass people of Palestine including Gaza.

He said Bangladesh will always stand by and extend unwavering support to the people and government of Palestine in establishment of their inalienable rights.

Bangladesh is always sincere in humanitarian solutions of any international crisis, he said, adding that so far, Bangladesh has set a unique example of humanity in international arena by providing shelter to millions of forcibly displaced and tortured Rohingyas fled from Myanmar.

"It is my expectation that international community would take pragmatic and effective actions to solve the Rohingya crisis," he continued.

The role of expatriates in economic development of Bangladesh is undeniable, he said.

The country's expatriate Bangladeshis are making a significant contribution to the national economy by sending their hard- earned remittances to the country, he said.

 The nation acknowledges their contribution with gratitude, he added.
 The President hoped that during this global recession and economic crisis, the country's expatriates will continue to send foreign remittance and play a positive role in the country's development.

"In order to deliver the benefits of independence at people's doorstep we need to institutionalize our democracy which we attained through the sacrifice of millions of martyrs," he mentioned.

The political parties will have to nurture the culture of mutual respect and tolerance of others' opinion, he said.

"Let us contribute more from our respective positions in implementing the spirit and values of war of liberation and take the nation towards the path of development and prosperity," he said.

"Let our country turn into 'Sonar Bangla' (Golden Bengal) as dreamt by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and transform it as 'Smart Bangladesh' as declared by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina- this is my expectation on this great Victory Day," the President added.