Expanding horizons

On this day, in 1971, Bangladesh proclaimed her independence and through a ninemonth bloody struggle, emerged as a sovereign nation on December 16. This is a rare happy coincidence in the history of Bahrain and Bangladesh that these two brotherly nations came out on the world map as independent nations on the same day and in the same year, December 16, 1971. This unique commonality has great symbolic importance and provides an extra thread further strengthening the special bond of friendship between our two countries.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1983, Bangladesh and Bahrain have enjoyed an excellent bilateral relationship based on our common values, shared perceptions and common customs and traditions. Based on the strong foundation of friendship, we have continuously endeavoured to exploit the immense potentials for its further expansion in various sectors. On this happy occasion of our Independence Day, I would like to convey my sincere greetings to the friendly and brotherly people of Bahrain and beloved Bangladeshi compatriots.

We pray for the salvation of the departed souls of valiant freedom fighters who dedicated their lives for our freedom. The father of our nation, Bangabandhu Shaikh Mujibur Rahman, the martyrs, the freedom fighters – all dreamt of a prosperous country. Bangladesh had been recognised as lower Middle Income country way back in 2015. Today, Bangladesh is the 43rd country of the world in terms of size of economy, and 32nd country in terms of purchasing power parity. Our GDP today is 300 billion dollars! According to IMF, Bangladesh will be within the TOP 20 economies by 2040! Let me briefly share with you where Bangladesh leads globally today : We are the 2nd largest Ready-Made Garments Exporter of the World, the2nd Largest troop contributor to the UN Peace Keeping Operation, the2nd largest Jute producer, the 3rd Fresh water FISH producer, the3rd in Vegetable production, the 4th in the global Rice Production, the7th largest producer of Natural gas in Asia, the 9th in the global production of TEA.

Today’s Bangladesh takes pride in building the massive and game-changer 6.15 meter long PADMA BRIDGE of 1.2 billion dollars, completely from its own domestic resource! Today’s Bangladesh joined as 57th country to the elite group of Satellite owned nations! Today’s Bangladesh now expands her sphere from ‘Shirt-making’ to ‘Ship-building’ industries! You can imagine, today we export War ships!!! Today’s Bangladesh exports medicines to 145 countries! It is also a matter of pride that in Bangladesh, about 33.5 percent women work in productive sector.

Currently, the contribution of women workforce in our GDP growth is 34 percent. According to Gender Gap Index 2017 by World Economic Forum, Bangladesh stands the 47th out of 144 countries and the 1st in SAARC nations. One major achievement in Bangladesh is the inclusion of backward and vulnerable section of the society in the economy. It may be noted that social protection system of Bangladesh accounts for 02% of our national budget. At present 80% people of the country are covered by electricity facilities (including renewable energy).

Government of Bangladesh has plan to ensure electricity for all by 2021. With the help of modern healthcare and improved nutrition available in affordable cost, Bangladesh made remarkable progress in health sector. In the non-urban localities, 18,500 community clinics have been established to provide affordable health care that covers about 8000 people per clinic. It is a pride of the nation that Bangladesh didn’t have to compromise with its humane side in having all these development achievements. Bangladesh has provided temporary shelter to more than one million forcibly displaced Rohingya populations who fled their homeland Myanmar.

Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has personally extended her hand in support to these helpless people when they started fleeing atrocities in the Rakhine State in 2017. We are continuing to provide them with shelter and basic services in coordination with the UN and other partners. At the end recognize deeply and convey my sincere thanks and gratitude, on behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh, to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa for extending their generous support and cooperation to me, to my mission and to our community.