4 The Japan Times Wednesday,March26,2014

Bangladesh independence day

Abdul Hamidpresident of BAnglAdesH

OntheeveofourgreatIndepen-dence and national day, I ex-tend my heart-felt greetingsandfelicitationsto the fellowcountrymenliv-ingathomeandabroad.

The greatIndependenceday is a glorious one in our na-tionallife.Weachievedourlong-cherishedindependencethroughanine-month-longarmedstrug-gle and manifold forbearanceandpatience.Today,Irecallwithdeepgratitudetheheroicmartyrswhomadesupremesacrifices inachievingourindependence.Onthishistoricday,Irecallwithpro-found respect the Father of thenationBangabandhusheikhMu-jibur rahman who proclaimedthe countrys independence de-spitemyriadchallengesandodds.Ialsorecallwithdeepreverenceourfournationalleaders,valiantfreedom-fighters,organizers,sup-portersandpeoplefromallwalksoflifefortheirunmatchedcontri-butionsandcourageousrolethat

accelerated the achievement ofourvictory.Thecontributionsofthosevaliantsonswillbewritteningoldenlettersinthehistoryofourindependenceforever.

Oneoftheprimeobjectivesofour hard-earned independencewastobuildahappyandprosper-ous Bangladesh. Keeping that inmind, the government has beenputtinguntiringeffortsinmateri-alizingtheobjectivesofindepen-dence. We have achieved somesignificant progress in the fieldsof agriculture, education, health,rural infrastructure, communi-cation, energy and power, tradeand commerce, IcT, sMe, youthandsports,womenandchildren,women empowerment, etc. inour nation. at the same time wehavealsoattainednotabledevel-opment in private sector includ-ing theareasof ready-madegar-ments,pharmaceuticals,ceramicsand the ship-building industry.Thegovernment isalsoverysin-cere to establish the rule of lawandadvancehumanrightsinthecountry.Ourachievement intheinternational arena is also com-mendable. Bangladeshi peace-keepers,undertheauspicesoftheUnited nations, have brightenedthe countrys image abroad by

presenting their professionalismand competence. Our expatri-ate Bangladeshis have also beenmaking significant contributionstoournationaleconomythroughsending their hard-earned for-eigncurrencieshome.neverthe-less, we have to go a long wayto achieve the desired goals ofindependence and the buildingof a happy and prosperous Ban-gladesh. I believe concerted ef-fortsfromallstratairrespectiveofpartyaffiliationare imperative inthisregard.

The people of our countryare democratic and peace lov-ing. They reject all sorts of vio-lence including militancy andterrorism with abhorrence. It isimperative that the overall de-velopmentof thecountry isnotpossible without a flourishingdemocracy. Tolerance, forti-tudeandmutualrespectarethepreconditions for a thriving de-mocracy. Therefore, we have tomaintain patience, self-restraintand forbearance along with re-spect for others opinion in ademocratic pluralism. Let usmake our Jatiya sangsad a cen-terofexcellenceinresolvingournational issues through discus-sion. I am confident that every-

onewillplayresponsiblerolesinfulfilling the hopes and aspira-tionsofourpeople.ThepresentgovernmenthasdeclaredVision2021forattainingGoldenBan-gla dreamed by Bangabandhu.It is my conviction that throughimplementingtheVision,peoplefromallstratawouldcontributetobuildanIT-basedhappyandprosperous Bangladesh fromtheir respective position by thegoldenjubileecelebrationofourindependence.

Onthisauspiciousdayofinde-pendence,Iurgealllivingathomeandabroad,toworktogetherim-buedwiththespiritofWarofLib-eration to expedite overall devel-opmentanddemocraticadvance-mentofthecountry.

Khodahafez,MayBangladeshLiveForever.

Building a prosperous nationsheikh Hasinaprime minister of BAnglAdesH

I convey my heartiest greetingsto my countrymen as well asto all expatriateBangladeshisonthe occasion ofthe great Inde-pendence andnational day ofBangladesh.

March 26 isthedayofearn-ing self-identity; its a day ofbreaking the shackles of sub-jugation. On this auspiciousoccasion of the Independenceday, I pay my deep homageto the greatest Bangladeshi ofall time, Father of the nationBangabandhu sheikh Mujiburrahman,underwhosedynamicleadership we earned our greatindependence.

I recall with deep grati-tude the 3 million martyrs and200,000 women who lost theirinnocence in the War of Lib-eration in 1971. We earned ourdesiredvictorythroughtheirsu-premesacrifices.

I also pay my humble trib-utes to four national leaderswho led the liberation war. I

pay my respect to the valiantfreedom fighters, including thewar-woundedones.Iextendmysympathies to those who hadlost their near and dear ones,and were subjected to brutaltorture. I recall with gratitudeourforeignfriendswhoextend-ed their whole-hearted supportand cooperation to our libera-tionwar.

The Pakistani occupationforces started massacring in-nocent and unarmed Bangla-deshis, launching a sudden at-tackontheblacknightofMarch25, 1971. The Father of the na-tion Bangabandhu sheikh Mu-jibur rahman proclaimed theindependence of Bangladeshin the first hour of March 26.Bangabandhus proclamationwasspreadallover thecountrythrough telegrams, teleprintersand the radios of the then eastPakistan rifles. The proclama-tion was also circulated in theinternationalmedia.

earlieronthe7thofMarchatsuhrawardyUdyan,Bangaband-hu made a fervent call to wageastruggleforindependence.hedeclared, This time the strug-gleisforourfreedom;thistimethe struggle is for our indepen-

dence. he directed the nationtoresisttheenemy.Theultimatevictory was earned on dec. 16after the 9-month bloody warwascarriedoutunderthedirec-tivesofBangabandhu.

The independence earnedthroughthesacrificeofmillionsofpeopleisthegreatestachieve-ment of Bangladesh. To makethe achievement meaningful,allwouldhavetoknowthetruehistoryoftheliberationwarandretainthespiritoftheindepen-dence. It must be spread fromgenerationtogenerations.

WearecelebratingthisyearsIndependence and nationalday from a new perspective.Thepeoplehaveagaingiventheawami League the opportunitytoservethenationintheJan.5elections.Wewilldefinitelypro-tect the dignity of the peoplesconfidencereposedonus.

duringthe last fiveyears,weaccomplished massive devel-opments in every sector of thesocio-economic front. Our goalistoturnBangladeshintoamid-dle-incomecountrybytheyear2021 and a developed one by2041.Wehaverelentlesslybeenworkingtorealizethesetargets.additionally, the execution of

theverdictsofthewarcriminalstrials has started. We are com-mitted to bringing the fruits ofindependence to the doorstepsofthepeople.

The conspiracy of anti-lib-eration, communal and anti-democratic forces is continuingtoruintheconstitution,democ-racyanddevelopmentactivitiesofthegovernment.Onthisaus-picious day, I urge the peopleto fight any ill-attempts againstindependence, democracy andanti-countryactivities.

I hope every Benglali im-bued with the mantra of pa-triotism will engage themselvesfrom their respective positionsand with the highest sincerity,dedication and honesty to turnBangladeshintoapeaceful,non-communal and middle-incomecountrybytheGoldenJubileeofBangladesh.Bangladeshwillbeestablishedasadignifiednationinthecomityofnations.

Let us come and build a so-nar Bangla as dreamed by theFather of the nation being im-bued with ideals of our libera-tion war. This is our fresh vowonthisgreatday.

JoiBangla,JoiBangabandhuMayBangladeshLiveForever.

Working toward Bangladesh development

taro Asopresident, JApAn-BAnglAdesH pArliAmentAriAns leAgue

on behalf of the Japan-Bangladesh parliamentarians league, i would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of the peoples republic of Bangladesh on the auspicious occasion of the countrys independence day.

ever since Bangladeshs independence in 1971, Japan and Bangladesh have consistently built close, friendly relations. Both countries share a strong and stable bond based on mutual interest, confidence and the spirit of cooperation.

i paid an official visit to Bangladesh as then foreign minister, and since 2008, i have sought to promote the friendship between Japan and Bangladesh as the president of the Japan-Bangladesh parliamentarians league.

two years ago, celebrating 40 years of bilateral diplomatic relations, the two countries engaged in many active exchanges in various fields. And last year, more than 100 people, including artists, dancers and craftsmen, came from Bangladesh to join the Art setouchi festival in Kagawa prefecture, one of the biggest art festivals in Japan, attracting more than 430,000 visitors.

during the festival, an exhibition of Bangladesh paintings was held, and artworks by craftsmen as well as music and dance performances were introduced at the port of takamatsu, Kagawa prefecture. the Japan-Bangladesh parliamentarians league welcomed minister of Cultural Affairs Abul Kalam Azad, who visited Japan to attend the opening of the festival and had a meaningful exchanging of opinions. Also, upper house member ichiro tsukada, who serves as director general of the league, attended the Bangladesh exhibition in tokyo and, on behalf of the league, visited the Bangladesh embassy for a seminar, which contributed in enhancing mutual understanding and promoting exchanges.

Bangladeshs economy, which is continuing to progress at a high annual rate over 6 percent, is attractive for Japan. the number of Japanese companies, which have made advances into Bangladesh, has tripled during these seven years, reaching 176 and exports from Bangladesh to Japan are increasing, too. i am glad bilateral economic relations are steadily developing.

Bangladesh, which calls Japan a true friend, is an important country for Japan. the Japan-Bangladesh parliamentarians league will continue to contribute in deepening the amicable bilateral relations.

in conclusion, i would like to extend my best wishes to the people of Bangladesh for their health and prosperity.

Celebrating decades of friendly bilateral cooperation

Abul Hassan mahmood Aliforeign minister of BAnglAdesH

Ontheoccasionof the 43rd an-niversary of theIndependenceand nationalday, I conveymy heartfeltgreetings andfelicitations tomy compatriots living at homeandabroad.Onthismemorableday, I recall with profound re-spectthegreatestBangladeshiofalltimeandFatherofthenationBangabandhu sheikh Mujiburrahman,whoproclaimedinde-pendence in the early hours of

March 26, 1971. responding tohis clarion call, people from allwalks of life participated in theWar of Liberation and achievedvictoryondec.16,1971.Onthisday, I pay my deep homage tothe 3 million martyrs who laiddown their lives in the War ofLiberation in 1971. I pray to al-mighty allah for the salvationof those departed souls. I alsoremember the 200,000 mothersand sisters who sacrificed theirhonor for the sake of freedomforBangladesh.

Itallbeganwiththeassertionofanationalidentityinthefaceof systematic denial, discrimi-nation and deprivation of anidentity rooted in a millennia-

old heritage of language, cul-ture and customs. It evolvedthrough the shaping of politi-cal demands for inclusion andequal access to opportunities,againstallformsofexploitationof the Bangladeshi people. Itwascrystallizedintothe6-pointprogram put forward by Bang-abandhu for the emancipationofourpeople.Thelandslidevic-toryoftheawamiLeagueinthegeneral elections of december1970 and the Pakistani militarygovernments refusal to handoverpowerledtothenoncoop-eration movement culminatingin the declaration of indepen-dence by Bangabandhu. afterthe tragic events of aug. 15,

1975, when Bangabandhu waskilled along with most mem-bers of his family, Bangladeshlapsed into a long period ofmilitary dictatorships and thepeople under the leadership ofsheikhhasinahadtowagean-other battle for the restorationofdemocracy.

after the restoration of de-mocracy, hasina was elected tooffice in 1996. she started fromwhere Bangabandhu had leftoff, and once again the countrywasrestoredtoaplaceofhonoramong the comity of nations.during her first term (1996-2001), Bangladesh marchedaheadinmanyfields.Thecoun-try witnessed remarkable prog-

ressathomeandearnedglobalrecognition as well. Followingher landslide victory in the de-cember 2008 elections, Bangla-deshmademajorstridesduringher second term (2009-2013)especially in the social sector,whichsawareductionofmater-nityandchildmortalityrates;theeducation sector, particularly attheprimarylevel;intheempow-ermentofwomen;andinthede-velopmentof infrastructureandpower generation. The impres-siveperformanceofthegovern-ment helped earn internationalrecognitionandBangladeshwascited as a role model in manyfields.hasinastremendoussuc-cess in the betterment of thelivesof thecommonpeople ledtoherre-electioninthelastelec-tionsheldonJan.5,2014.

sheikh hasina aims for amiddle-income, digital-knowl-edgebasedVisionBangladeshby 2021. On the internationalfront,wehavedemonstratedourgoalandabilitytoforgepartner-ships with our neighbors and

nation continues steady progress to self-reliance

Continuedonpage5

masud Bin momenAmBAssAdor of BAnglAdesH

On the auspi-cious occasionof the 43rd In-d e p e n d e n c eand nationalday of Bangla-desh I have thehonor to con-vey our deep-est reverence to their ImperialMajesties emperor akihito andempressMichiko.Ialsotakethisopportunitytoconveyourwarmgreetingstoh.e.PrimeMinistershinzo abe and Mrs. akie abe.On this great day I recall withsolemn fervor, the Father of thenation Bangabandhu sheikhMujibur rahman for his vision-

ary leadership and legendarystatesmanship that eventuallyledtothecreationofasovereignand independent Bangladesh. IwouldliketorecallthatitwasthevisitofBangabandhutoJapanin1973 which laid the foundationof the ever growing friendly re-lations between the two coun-tries.Ialsopaymydeephomageto the sacrifices of our nationalleaders,valiantfreedomfighters,3 million martyrs as well as the200,000womenandchildvictimsoftheWar.

during our war of indepen-dencemanyJapanesefriends,ledby a lawmaker, the late Takashihayakawa, and the late profes-sorTsuyoshinara,extendedtheirsupportforourcause.recogniz-ingtheirinvaluablecontribution,

the government of Prime Minis-ter sheikh hasina conferred theFriends of Liberation War statehonorstoanumberofJapanesenationals in recent times. Thegovernment of Japan recognizedBangladesh immediately afterourliberationon4February1972.eversincethen,thefriendlyrela-tions between the two countrieshave grown from strength tostrength.Today,Japanisthemostimportant development partnerof Bangladesh. recently, tradeand investment figures are alsogrowing significantly. Many im-portantJapanesebrandsaremak-ingtheirproductsinBangladesh.Followingtherecentelections inBangladesh,thenewgovernmentledbyPrimeMinistersheikhha-sina is consolidating democracy

anddevelopment.duringthelat-estvisitofForeignMinisterFumioKishidatoBangladeshonMarch22 he conveyed Prime Ministershinzoabescommitmenttocon-tinue his governments engage-mentinthismarchtowardspros-peritybasedonmutualinterest.

Today Bangladesh is seeingsustained economic growth, sta-ble macro-economic indicatorsand has over $19 billion worthof reserves.Thegovernmenthascreated a congenial atmosphereand offers attractive terms to at-tract foreign investment. Lightengineering, food processing,leather and leather goods, jute-basedproductsandtheITsectoraresomeoftheareaswhereJapa-nese investors are showing keeninterest.

Bangladesh marches toward prosperity on back of strong growth

FatherofthenationBangabandhuSheikhMujiburRahman

PAGE: 4

The Japan Times Wednesday,March26,2014 5

Bangladesh independence day

beyond. We are deeply involvedin the process of multilateral-ism,throughglobalandregionalcommitments. But the defeatedanti-liberation, communal andirredentistforcesaretryingtode-stabilize the democratic and de-velopmentprocess.Wearehow-ever determined to end the cul-tureofimpunity.Thegovernmentremainspledge-boundtobringtojustice all the crimes committedagainsthumanityduringtheWarof Liberation in 1971. We urgethe international community toextend their support and coop-erationforthisjustcause.

Onthisveryday,Itakethisop-portunity to thank all our officersandstaffattheMinistryofForeignaffairs and our missions abroad

who have devoted themselves toachievingourforeignpolicyobjec-tives. Ialsocongratulate theBan-gladesh diaspora who have con-tributed greatly to the buoyancyoftheeconomyoftheircountryoforiginaswellastofurtherdevelop-mentoftheirhostcountries.

Today, Bangladesh is march-ingaheadinallfieldsundertheleadership of our dear Bang-abandhus daughter, PrimeMinistersheikhhasina.Onthisgreat day, I urge all to work to-getherimbuedwiththespiritofthe War of Liberation to expe-dite economic self-reliance anddemocraticadvancementof thecountry for the realization ofBangabandhus dream of sonarBangla-GoldenBengal.

JoyBangla,JoyBangabandhu.

Movingtowardself-relianceContinued from page 4

Md.ShahriarAlamSTATEMINISTEROFFOREIgNAFFAIRSOFBANglAdESH

Today, we celebrate the 43rdglorious independence of Ban-gladesh. Onthis day, Ban-gladesh wokeup to the hor-rendous geno-cide, heretoforeunknown toBengalis. Thisdarkest episodein our history turned into afull-fledgedpeopleswarwhichhelped us become a sovereigncountry. The heroic strugglesof our freedom fighters againstthe enemy, their sacrifices andtheirultimatesuccessindefeat-ing our enemies make us holdourheadshigh.

On this historic occasion, Iexpressmyheartfeltfelicitationsandgreetingstomycompatriotsliving at home and abroad. Onthis solemn day, I recall withdeep respect the Father of thenation Bangabandhu sheikhMujibur rahman who led thegreat War of Independence in1971. Ipaymydeephomage tothemartyrswhomadesupremesacrificestoliberatethecountry.I also recall the brave womenwho sacrificed their honor tosee the country free from sub-jugation. I also recall with deeprespect those valiant freedomfighters of the soil would beborne in the minds the Bangla-deshforever.

cherishing the true historyoftheliberationwar, thepres-ent government has made gi-ant strides to achieve the ob-jective of change, which willmake Bangabandhus sonar

Bangla, the golden Bengal, areality. Under the dynamicleadership of the honorablePrimeMinistersheikhhasina,we aim for a middle-income,digital,knowledge-basedBan-gladeshby2021.

Bangladeshremainscommit-tedtobringtoendtothecultureof impunity and establish theruleoflaw.Thepresentgovern-ment will bring all the perpe-trators who committed crimesagainst humanity to justice. noonecandeterusfromthisoner-oustaskasthepeoplehavegivenusamandate.

On the international front,Bangladesh follows the foreignpolicy principle of Friendshipforallandmalicetowardnoneas outlined by Bangabandhu.In line with that, Bangladeshhas been playing a constructiverole in promoting internationalpeace and stability. The Minis-try remains deeply focused onsubregional, regional and in-ternational issues apart from itsengagements.

I express my appreciation tothe expatriate Bangladesh na-tionals who are continuouslycontributingtobuildinganeco-nomically viable Bangladesh. Ialsocongratulatetheofficersandofficials working at the MinistryofForeignaffairsandatBangla-desh Missions abroad for theirdedicatedservicestoimplementthe foreign policy objectives ofthe government. On this greatoccasion, I urge all to work to-gether to turn Bangladesh intothe sonar Bangla envisionedby theFatherof thenation andachieve middle income coun-try status by 2021, as set out byPrimeMinistersheikhhasina.

JoyBangla,JoyBangabandhu.

Friendshipforall,malicetowardnone