Happy Independence Day 2008!
Exactly thirty seven years ago, on March 26, 1971, the freedom bell rang across the Bay of Bengal - a new nation was born; and history was made with the belief which perhaps was impressively described by JFK -- another president of another country, long before the independence of Bangladesh that “each man is free. He is free in thought. He is free in expression. He is free in worship.”
And today as we stand at the dawn of the 21st century and look back at the events of the period that has passed, we see the end of Pakistani oppression and its colonialism from our soil to be the most important development in our history. Our great leaders, our countrymen and women, waged the most powerful struggle for independence in 1971 against a tyrant Pakistani regime. By doing so, our heroes paved the way for the liberation of education, poverty, hunger and justice for all men, which sadly remain to be seen even after 37 years of independence.
It is our moral obligation to honor those noble and devoted leaders and patriots who struggled for freedom throughout their lives, and when needed, laid down their lives for the freedom of the country and its people. Let us strive to become worthy heirs to those great leaders, and dedicate this sacred day of March 26th to their memory.
As we stand at the last dusk of March 2008, let us look forward to an increasingly productive and prosperous Bangladesh where poverty, ignorance, and injustice will be diminishing at a pace far faster than we have so far been able to achieve.
Let us work together to change our policy and politics where hopes of the electorate will reflect- “government of the people, by the people and for the people” - a process where neither money nor muscle power shall be the core principle of the agenda. President George Washington once said, "It is probable that no plan we propose will be adopted. Perhaps another dreadful conflict is to be sustained. If, to please the people, we offer what we ourselves disapprove, how can we afterwards defend our work? Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair, the event is in the hands of God."
Let us ask ourselves what we can do for our country and our heritage at home and abroad, and “ask not what” our country can do for us. Let us extend our firm hand to our fellow citizens and uplift the sprit of their hearts and minds with love, compassion and commitment…
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