This day is an auspicious occasion for us to celebrate the victory over the enemies. It was on this day in 1971 that an independent Bangladesh came into being after defeating the bloodthirsty occupational forces. The Victory Day marks the culmination of our struggles under the versatile leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman over the entire period of Pakistani colonial repression. Joyous observation of the day amidst festivity and fanfare is and will remain an integral element of the Victory Day celebration as long as the nation exists in the world map.

But in today’s changed circumstances, the duties and obligations to protect our independence and sovereignty against domestic and foreign conspiracies of all shades and build Bangladesh as a prosperous country have gained more prominence. Nation building and changing the lot of the people are the ultimate objectives of Bangladesh; gaining independence was aimed at overthrowing the obstacle that stood in the way of our march as a proud nation. Celebration of the Victory Day will be meaningless unless we mobilise all our efforts to build the Golden Bangladesh envisioned by the Father of the Nation.

Within half a century of independence, Bangladesh has already laid down a strong infrastructural foundation of advanced physical and digital communication network, power generation and modern port facilities. These will serve as the springboard of taking the country ahead at a much faster pace. No looking back from now on! Within three quarters of a century, Bangladesh is expected to reach a stage that many developed countries took centuries to accomplish.

Victory Day celebrations demands more strenuous efforts on our part to set the country on the highway of perpetual growth.