On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh's independence following the crackdown on unarmed Bangalees at midnight on March 25 by the Pakistani occupation forces. After the nine-month-long Liberation War, Bangladesh achieved its cherished independence on Dec. 16, 1971 with the supreme sacrifices of three million people. This year, the nation will celebrate the day for the second time since Bangabandhu's historic March 7, 1971 speech received a prestigious place in the register of the world's documentary heritage, maintained by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco). In addition, it is the second Independence Day since the Committee for Development Policy (CDP) of the United Nations officially declared the eligibility of Bangladesh to graduate from the group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to Developing Country status. On the eve of our great Independence and National Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings and felicitations to the fellow countrymen living at home and abroad. Today, I recall with deep gratitude the heroic martyrs who made supreme sacrifices in the War of Liberation for achieving our independence. I also recall with deep reverence our four National Leaders; valiant freedom-fighters, organizers, supporters and people from all walks of life for their unmatched contributions and courageous role that accelerated the process of our victory. The contributions of those valiant sons would be written in golden letters in the history of our independence forever. Being a Bangladeshi Investor in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the government of Saudi Arabia for being so kind and generous towards my native land. The recent agreement of investing into the energy sector in Bangladesh is praiseworthy and such treaty will strengthen the fraternity among the two countries even more. The current government of Bangladesh is committed to build "Sonar Bangla" as was dreamt by the Father of the Nation. A target is set to turn Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041. Relentless efforts are in progress to realize the target. The mega projects including Padma Multipurpose Bridge, Ruppur Neuclear Power Plant, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Matarbari Power Plant, Rampal Power Station, Payra Power plant & Deep Sea port and Dhaka Metro Rail projects are on good vive to transform the country into a new Bangladesh in the near future. Bangabandhu Satellite had already revealed our capacity as an emerging economic power. The charismatic leader, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is not only our leader but a symbol of humanity throughout the globe. The acceptance of Myanmar Rohinga population providing them shelter is worldwide appreciated as an example of greatness despite over population of the country. This proves her generosity for the mankind. Such leaders are rarely born and ever memorable. Last but not the least, I hope that every Bangalee being imbued with the tune of patriotism would engage themselves from their respective positions and with the highest sincerity, dedication and honesty to turn Bangladesh into a peaceful, non-communal and middle-income country at the Golden Jubilee of our independence. Bangladesh would be established as a dignified nation in the comity of nations. May Bangladesh live forever! Mohammed Ashraf Uddin Investor and Chairman — Mohammed Ashraf Uddin Technical Est. Saudi Arabia
