President marks memorable day to build 'Sonar Bangla'

On the occasion of the great Independence and National Day, I convey my heartfelt greetings and felicitations to my countrymen living at home and abroad.

The historic Independence Day is a glorious day in our national life.

We achieved our Independence through nine long months of armed struggle and an immense sacrifice of lives. On this solemn day, I recall with utmost respect, the martyrs of the liberation war who made the supreme sacrifice to achieve Independence in 1971. I pray for the salvation of those immortal souls.

On this memorable day, I remember, with profound respect, the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who proclaimed the country's Independence on March 26, 1971. Responding to his clarion call, people from all walks of life participated in the war of liberation and secured independence.

I also recall with deep respect the four National Leaders, the valiant freedom fighters and organizers who rendered their dedicated efforts and enthusiastic support to accelerate our great victory. The freedom fighters are regarded as the greatest sons of the soil and their supreme sacrifices will be ever remembered in the history of our independence.

One of the prime objectives of our hard-earned Independence was to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh. Bangabandhu's cherished dream was to turn the country into "Sonar Bangla" (Bengal of Gold). This is yet to be fulfilled. Keeping that in mind, the Government has been untiring in its efforts to achieve the objectives of Independence. Since that time, we have achieved some significant progress both in the national and international arena. Despite making this progress, we still have a long way to go to attain the cherished goals of Independence. I believe a continued democratic process and united efforts from all are imperative in this regard.

It is a matter of satisfaction that democracy has been re-established and the People's Government has been formed under the ninth Parliament. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, has announced "Vision 2021" as her "Charter for Change". I am confident our country will be a happy and prosperous "Sonar Bangla" by following the precepts of "Vision 2021". Inshallah.

On this great Independence Day, I urge all, living at home and abroad, to work together, imbued with the spirit of the War of Liberation, to expedite economic self-reliance and democratic advancement.

Khoda Hafez, May Bangladesh Live Forever!

(China Daily 03/26/2009 page10)