I extend my greetings and best wishes to the Government and People of Bangladesh on the momentous occasion of the hundredth birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman remains in our hearts as a visionary leader, and his contribution to the independence and development of Bangladesh is immeasurable. A man of great thought and vision, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will forever be cherished as the architect of an independent and sovereign nation of Bangladesh for the Bengali people.
His legacy remains strong and I am confident that Bangladesh will continue on its path towards progress and development, to achieve Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s vision for a ‘Sonar Bangladesh’.
During this jubilant year of celebrations of the Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the 50th Anniversary of Independence of Bangladesh, the strong brotherly relations between Maldives and Bangladesh have elevated to new heights.
This year also marks the 43rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Bangladesh. I am pleased to note that today, there is stronger political trust, and closer cooperation in several significant areas. The people-to-people connections between our two countries have also reached an all-time high. Bangladesh continues to extend cooperation in a number of fields, especially towards capacity development in medical and defence sectors.
I thank the Government of Bangladesh for the support extended to Maldives during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including relief assistance, repatriation of Maldivians in Bangladesh and Nepal and the deployment of medical teams of Bangladesh Air Force to Maldives on two occasions.
I take this opportunity to highlight that the Government of Maldives has commenced the vaccination of Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives under President Salih’s policy of making the Covid-19 vaccine equitably accessible to all Maldivian nationals and expatriates. Bangladesh currently contributes the largest number to the expatriate workforce in the Maldives, making it a vital economic development partner of the Maldives.
I would like to recall that the close and friendly relations that exist between the Maldives and Bangladesh is founded on mutual respect, goodwill and reinforced by a shared vision of a better future for our region. I am proud to note that the historical journeys our two countries have embarked upon, aimed at the realization of our peoples’ aspirations for consolidated democracy and inclusive and sustainable development, is a positive step towards achieving this shared objective.
It is my sincere hope that the strong ties of friendship between our two countries will be fortified in the years ahead, and I look forward to further enhancing cooperation between our two Governments and peoples.
I wish continued progress and increased prosperity for both our countries. May the personification of values taught to us by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman live on in our hearts for generations to come.
Joy Bangla! Joy Bangabandhu!
