Towards new horizons

On March 26, 48 years ago, Bangladesh proclaimed its independence.

As our nation continues its journey as a sovereign entity, it is of the utmost importance that we as a people reflect on all that we have been through, the challenges we have faced, and, most importantly, remember the sacrifices that were made in the months after as Bengalis across the country struggled for emancipation.

The last 48 years stand as testament to the resilience of the Bangladeshi people against great odds: From great famines and floods to periods of violence and strife; we have stood strong and fought for the values upon which our great country was founded.

They also speak to our many successes.

From being one of the poorest countries at its inception, Bangladesh has emerged as one of the world’s great success stories, exhibiting more than 7% economic growth annually while simultaneously progressing in various sectors -- from governance to social justice and more.

Today, as we look to the past and remember all that we have achieved and overcome, we must also harness the spirit of this day in building a prosperous future.

As we continue to grow economically, it is important that we take stock of all we have achieved but also work towards diversifying our economic basket while also ensuring worker rights. 

As we make our mark on the global stage, it is crucial that we also ensure the rights of the marginalized at home, and work towards improving the state of our democracy, from removing corruption to ensuring equal rights for all citizens.

As the world takes notice of our achievements and our potential, we must remember how we got here: Unity. It is only through recognizing each other as part of a larger whole that we can truly take Bangladesh to new heights.