A.K.M. Shahidul Karim
Consul General of Bangladesh
On the auspicious occasion of the 45th Anniversary of our Independence and National Day, I convey my sincere greetings and felicitations to the brotherly people and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to our all friends, well-wishers and Bangladeshi expatriates living in the Kingdom.
On this great day, I recall with profound respect our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the architect of our independence. I pay deep tribute to the memories of the martyrs of the War of Liberation as well as to our valiant freedom fighters, whose supreme sacrifices made us free as a nation.
The independent Bangladesh represents the nation’s aspiration for economic and political emancipation, freedom from all sorts of exploitation, and establishment of a just and fair society. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress towards democracy, rule of law, good governance and inclusive economic growth.
Bangladesh is now a model in the fight against poverty and extremism, women empowerment, disaster management and in coping with the challenges posed by global climate change.
The year 2016 marks the 41st year of Bangladesh’s diplomatic presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As one of the largest Muslim-majority countries, Bangladesh enjoys excellent bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia based on common Islamic values, traditions, faith, culture and mutual respect.
Over the years, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh have played a responsible and contributory role as members of the committee of nations in various areas of international cooperation, including the OIC and the UN. We attach great importance to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the cooperation with Bangladesh as a valued development partner, particularly through generous hosting of a significant number of Bangladeshi expatriates.
On this memorable day, I take the opportunity to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense, and the entire royal family for their continued support to Bangladesh. Our people deeply appreciate the government and people of Saudi Arabia for facilitating the Haj and Umrah pilgrimage.
I wish to acknowledge the valuable contribution of the Bangladeshi expatriate community in the development and growth of both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh as well as in the consolidation of relations between the two brotherly countries. I wish them all continued peace, prosperity and happiness.
