Your Excellency Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations,
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
It is my honor to join you all today in commemorating the 51st anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence Day.
Today, is also a day for all of us to recognize the monumental contributions of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation who truly envisioned a “Golden Bangladesh” for his people.
For all those amongst us today who have not had a chance of knowing Bangabandhu, my request to you would be to read up his speech of 7th March 1971, which today has been included in the Memory of the World International Register at the UNESCO.
This stirring speech was the ultimate source of inspiration for the countless freedom fighters who joined the Mukti Bahini and continues to reverberate in the hearts and minds of the Bengali people all over the world.
Dear Friends,
21st February also known as Ekushey February, which in 1999 was designated by the UN as the International Mother Language Day to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity would not have come about, but for the experiences that Bangabandhu went through 40-50 years before that.
Obviously, Bangabandhu understood way before anyone the strategic implications of language, in terms of identity; for communication; for social integration; for development; and for education.
Bangabandhu’s journey was an unwavering belief in democracy; a passion for social justice; an emphasis on cultural inclusivity and identity that led to the liberation of Bangladesh.
Now, these are all values that we at the UN cherish and nourish.
Bangladesh is also an example of how a country should be approaching its development and growth, whether it is in terms of economic development, education, social indicators, technology, banking, rural development or women’s empowerment.
And perhaps this is the greatest tribute that the current government of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is paying to Bangabandhu by implementing his vision of what he wanted for the country.
Excellencies,
Since Bangladesh gained membership of the United Nations in 1974, it has been an active and responsible member of the international community, making considerable contributions to the maintenance of peace globally, and towards global solidarity.
Today, Bangladesh is a vibrant multi-party democracy, with a rising economy. By achieving sustained economic growth for many years, it is now on track to graduate from LDC status in 2026 – despite the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The country continues to invest in its people and has demonstrated strong commitment to women’s empowerment. That commitment is further reflected by its choice of an accomplished female diplomat, my dear friend Rabab, to lead its mission to the United Nations.
Internationally, Bangladesh’s engagements continue to be robust and have left a strong footprint at the United Nations. It has served twice on the Security Council, and assumed several elected positions in high offices. This includes the current positions of the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Presidency of the UN Women Executive Board.
I also acknowledge that one of my predecessors was a Bangladeshi national – Ambassador Humayun Rasheed Chodhury, who served as President of the 41st session of the General Assembly.
Since 2001, Bangladesh has been sponsoring the GA Resolution on Culture of Peace and in partnership with the President of the General Assembly, organises the annual flagship High-level Forum on this important issue.
On the human rights front, Bangladesh is a leading voice on the rights of migrants and refugees, and currently hosts millions of persecuted Rohingyas.
And as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Bangladesh has been a longstanding advocate of climate action, continuing to emphasize the scale of the climate crisis, and its potential repercussions for humanity.
This high level of international engagement stands testimony to Bangladesh’s commitment to working alongside the global community to resolve our shared challenges.
I commend Bangladesh on its past and ongoing multilateral initatives and advocacy. And I congratulate Bangladesh on all that it has achieved domestically in terms of securing a safer and more prosperous future for its people.
On this felicitous occasion, I express my hope that an even brighter destiny awaits Bangladesh. And I reaffirm my commitment to working with the country throughout my Presidency of Hope, to realize our common aspirations.
Ami agami dine Bangladesher R O unnoti kamona kori.
(I wish Bangladesh a more Propsperous Future)
Joy Bangla
