I express my happiness to celebrate the 48th anniversary of the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. On this auspicious day, I recall with profound respect the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the architect of our nation. I pay special tribute to the memories of the martyrs of the Liberation-War as well as to the valiant freedom fighters, whose supreme sacrifices made us free. On this wonderful occasion, I extend my sincere felicitations to the brotherly people and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to our friends, well-wishers and Bangladeshi expatriates living in the Kingdom. On this happy occasion, I would like to further mention that the government of Bangladesh, under the dynamic and prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been achieving an unimpeded and envious economic growth. Bangladesh enjoys excellent bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia Bangladesh will transform into a middle income-country with the implementation of "Vision-2021" declared by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and is expected to turn into a Developed nation through "Vision 2041". After tremendous success of achieving MDGs, Bangladesh is moving forward in pursuit of achieving the SDGs. Bangladesh has been able to maintain a steady growth around 6.5% in the last decade and looks forward to achieving more than 7% in the coming years. Bangladesh has been identified as one of the Next-11 economies in the world. According to Price Waterhouse Coopers, February 2015, Bangladesh will be one of the top 30 countries by 2030 in terms of real GDP size. Bangladesh will be the 23rd largest economy in the world by 2050. Bangladesh is one of the fastest growing economies in South Asia. ‘Global Economic Views' in its recent study highlighted Bangladesh as a profitable investment destination for the next 5, 10, 20 and 40 years. The emerging sectors of Bangladesh are garments, pharmaceutical, shipbuilding, ceramics, jute and jute products, agriculture, processed foods etc. 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 my sincere thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman. I wish to acknowledge the valuable contribution of the Bangladeshi expatriate community in the economic development of both 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. F. M. Borhan Uddin
