President Urges Discrimination-Free, Prosperous Bangladesh

President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday called upon the nation to work together to build a prosperous Bangladesh free from discrimination, corruption and all forms of oppression.

In a message issued on the occasion of Victory Day, the President said December 16 stands as a symbol of national pride and the ultimate triumph of the country’s struggle for independence.

“Independence is our greatest achievement, born out of a long history of exploitation, deprivation and sacrifice,” he said, recalling that on this day in 1971 Bangladesh achieved its long-cherished freedom and sovereignty through a nine-month-long Liberation War.

The President paid deep tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives for independence, the wounded freedom fighters, the mothers and sisters who suffered unspeakable loss, and the families of the martyrs, along with all those who courageously contributed to the liberation struggle.

He said the objective of the Liberation War was not limited to political independence alone, but also aimed at achieving economic emancipation and social justice. “Even after more than five decades, complete political and socio-economic freedom has not yet been realised,” he noted.

In this context, the President said the student-led mass uprising of 2024 has renewed hope for building a just and equitable Bangladesh, free from discrimination and corruption.

“To ensure that the true fruits of independence reach every citizen, we must further strengthen and institutionalise democracy,” he said, stressing the need to nurture tolerance, mutual respect and unity at all levels of society.

Inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War, the President urged the nation to reaffirm its commitment to working together to build a discrimination-free and prosperous Bangladesh, calling it a pledge befitting Victory Day.

On the occasion, he extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to all Bangladeshis at home and abroad.