Sri Lanka stands side by side with Bangladesh to achieve greater freedom and prosperity: PM

Sri Lankan prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday said Father of the Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dedicated his entire life for wellbeing of the people of Bangladesh.

“Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a person of principles who dedicated his entire life for the Bengali people, their language and their wellbeing,” he said while speaking at a function at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka this afternoon.

The function was arranged marking the celebrations of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and golden jubilee of the country’s independence.

Chaired by prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the function was also addressed, by cultural affairs minister KM Khalid and Syed Manzoorul Islam of Dhaka University.

Paying deep tributes to Bangabandhu, the Sri Lankan premier said Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was determined to continue his freedom struggle for creation of a new nation in 1971.

“Unfortunately he could not realise the dream he nurtured,” Rajapaksa said, “I understand the great loss that occurred on 15 August in 1975. On that day, the nation lost a hero, the father of independence.”

Despite this setback, he said, Bangladesh continues to flourish under the apt leadership of prime minister Sheikh Hasina that is the best honour to Bangabandhu.

Recalling the historic relations of the two neighbours, Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka is one the first countries that established diplomatic relations with a new nation – the People’s Republic of Bangladesh – in 1971.

“In this 21st century, with the great aspiration for Asian prosperity, our new generation needs to be aware of the countless sacrifices made by their forefathers to achieve freedom,” he said.

As a neighbour and close friend, he said, Sri Lanka stands side by side with Bangladesh to ensure greater freedom and prosperity.

Quoting Bangabandhu, the Sri Lankan premier said the objectives of economic transformation of the both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are the eradication of poverty and achieving development goals.

He said Bangladesh’s proposal to promote blue economy in the Bay of Bengal continuously inspires “our approach on maritime affairs”.

Noting that Bangladesh is considered as one of the key emerging economic power houses in the South Asia, Rajapaksa said it remains as an important trading and investment partner for his country.

About the Bangladesh’s success in agriculture that attracts Sri Lanka, he said Bangladesh continues to provide training and capacity building to this end.

The Sri Lankan premier extended his heartfelt compliments and sincere and warm wishes to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her government and the people of Bangladesh.

 

Full Speech by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa:

Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina
Prime Minister of Bangladesh

Honorable Ministers of the Bangladesh Government

Excellencies, Distinguished Invitees

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ayubowan!

I am delighted to be present here today in Dhaka to participate in an occasion of historic significance for the people of Bangladesh. Therefore, let me thank Her Excellency Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her cordial invitation to me and my delegation and the warm welcome given on my arrival.

Despite many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I join you in person today with the message of solidarity from the people of Sri Lanka. 

The friendly relations between our two countries have a long history. Many scholars believe that the first migrations from Bengal arrived in Sri Lanka through maritime routes as far back as 2500 years ago. It is also believed that Sri Lanka and Bangladesh had vibrant trade exchanges since 6th Century BC. Quite naturally, Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the new nation of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in 1971.

The people of Bangladesh are celebrating two historic events. One is the birth of the Father of their nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a century ago. And the second, is the birth of Bangladesh a half a century ago. Both events are worthy of celebration. 

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a person of principles who dedicated his entire life for the Bengali people, their language and their well-being. He was determined to continue his freedom struggle until the creation of a new nation of “Bangladesh” in 1971. 

Unfortunately, he could not live to realize the dreams he nurtured for his beloved country.

Your Excellency, I understand the agony of the immense loss that occurred on the 15th of August 1975. On that day, the nation lost a hero and the Father of Independence. At the same time, a beloved daughter lost her parents and siblings.

Madam Prime Minister, despite setbacks, Bangladesh continues to flourish under your able leadership. That is the best honor in the name of your esteemed father.

As a tribute to his legacy and in dedication to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, let me quote a part of a poem written by the Bengali Guru Rabindranath Tagore:

(I Quote)  

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.      
               
                                                                                     (Unquote) 

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

In this 21st Century, with the great aspirations for Asian prosperity, our new generations need to be aware of the countless sacrifices made by their fore-fathers to achieve freedom.

As a neighbor and a close friend, Sri Lanka stands side by side with Bangladesh to achieve greater freedom and prosperity. Our objectives of economic transformation, eradication of poverty and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals remain key priorities in the middle of great challenges. 

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said “Bangladesh is fertile and endowed with plenty. Few countries in the world have the kind of fertile land that we have.” The geographical locations of our two countries provide ample opportunities for us to enhance closer maritime, shipping, trade and people-to-people contacts. 

Madam Prime Minister…..Your proposal to promote a “Blue Economy” in the Bay of Bengal continues to inspire our approach on maritime affairs. 

Bangladesh is considered one of the key emerging economic power houses in South Asia. It remains an important trading and investment partner for my country. Our exchanges have continued to grow rapidly during the last few decades. 

The great strides Bangladesh has made in the field of agriculture attracts great attention in Sri Lanka. In addition to playing an active role through the SAARC Agriculture Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh continues to provide training and capacity building for our institutions. I seek your indulgence to share closer cooperation in this field. 

Excellencies, 
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The inspiring journey that the people of Bangladesh had undertaken from poverty and natural disasters in the past half century is a testament to a prosperous nation in the making. 

It is in this backdrop, I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt compliments and sincere and warm wishes to you, Madam Prime Minister, your Government, and the people of Bangladesh.

Dhonnobhaad.

Thank You.