Published on 12:00 AM, March 28, 2021

What world leaders said on 50 years of Bangladesh

US President 

Joe Biden

I look forward to working with you to strengthen these commitments to build an even brighter future for the people of our nations over the next 50 years and beyond.  Your hosting of one million Rohingya refugees is an example to the world of humanity and generosity. The United States will continue to be a steadfast partner in finding a durable solution to this crisis.

UK Prime Minister 

Boris Johnson

The bond between us is incarnated by the 600,000-strong British-Bangladeshis who contribute so much to the United Kingdom every day. I think particularly of the fantastic doctors and nurses in our National Health Service, many of whom are helping to treat and vaccinate our people in our battle against Covid-19. Today, Bangladesh is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and we share the commitment to create an ever more prosperous and environmentally sustainable future.

Russian President 

Vladimir Putin

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. This is symbolic, that on these days, your country celebrates the centenary of the birth of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, an outstanding political leader, the founder of Bangladesh. I am confident that our joint efforts will ensure further development and bilateral preparations in various fields for the benefit of our people in the interest of strengthening regional security and stability.

Canadian Prime Minister

Justin Trudeau

Over the past 50 years, Bangladesh has made incredible progress. It spurred economic growth, reduced poverty, increased access to education and health resources and built new opportunities for your people. Today is a time for reflection and celebration. We reflect upon the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman -- 100 years after his birth -- and celebrate 50 years of independence.  Independent and democratic Bangladesh was built based on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's love for his people.

French President 

Emmanuel Macron

In 1971, André Malraux called on the world to support the freedom of the Bengalis. Half a century later, Bangladesh can be proud of its achievements. The Bangladeshi government and people have shown their generosity by welcoming the Rohingyas forced to flee, once again, Myanmar in 2017. The country has asserted itself as a responsible power: it is the main provider of troops for the peacekeeping operations in the world; it defends multilateralism and the norms of international law; it is committed to the defence of the environment and access to essential global public goods, such as health.

UN Secretary-General

Antonio Guterres

The people have made tremendous strides over the past five decades, particularly on issues of social development and disaster preparedness. I congratulate you on this progress, including your graduation from the category of least developed countries. Bangladesh is playing a very important role in the world stage as the largest contributor to the UN Peacekeeping operations, chair of the Climate-Vulnerable Forum and host to hundreds and thousands of refugees from Myanmar. We will continue to stand beside Bangladesh in tackling the climate crisis and working towards the sustainable development goals.

Japanese Prime Minister 

Yoshihide Suga

Japan was one of the first countries that recognised Bangladesh as a nation state right after its independence. Bangladesh, which is located at a key point connecting South East Asia and Indian subcontinent and has successfully been achieving high economic growth in recent years, is a very attractive destination for Japanese business community. Jamuna Multi-Purpose Bridge, depicted in 100 taka banknote and Sonargaon hotel built shortly after the independence have been the symbols of friendship the two countries for a long time.

Chinese President 

Xi Jinping  

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was an old and good friend of the Chinese people. On his two visits to China in 1952 and 1957, he forged friendships with Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai, and other Chinese leaders of the elder generation.  "Sonar Bangla" Bangabandhu envisioned is still galvanising the 160 million Bangladeshi people in their pursuit of national rejuvenation. Over the five decades of independence, the people of Bangladesh have stayed true to their conviction and triumphed over challenge one after another.

South Korean Prime Minister

Chung Sye-kyun

Bangladesh, with its remarkable economic development and rapid emergence in the heart of Asia, is echoing the Miracle on the Han River. The international community has been deeply impressed to see that Bangladesh, even in the midst of the Covid pandemic when the world economy has slowed down, succeeded in achieving the greatest level of economic growth. And there are great expectations that Bangladesh will take further tremendous strides forward, as it is anticipated to graduate from the LDC status in 2026.

Pope 

Francis

Bangladesh – "Golden Bengal" (Sonar Bangla) -- is a country of unique natural beauty and a modern nation that strives to join unity of language and culture with respect for the different traditions and communities within it. This is one of the legacies which Sheikh Mujibur Rahman left for all Bangladeshis. The country has always had a special place in the heart of the Popes, who from the start have expressed solidarity with its people, sought to accompany them in overcoming initial adversities, and supported them in the demanding task of nation building and development.

Cambodian Prime Minister 

Hun Sen

I am very honoured and delighted to deliver on behalf of the royal government and the people of Kingdom of Cambodia congratulatory message on the commemoration of birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh.  Bangladesh under the wise leadership of President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has achieved high economic growth, social progress and improved qualities of life of Bangladeshi people. 

Turkish President 

Recep Tayyip Erdogan

The sentiments of brotherhood among our peoples, rooted in our common historical and cultural heritage, strengthen our mutual will to further develop our relations. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has taken his place among the prominent statesmen of the 20th century with the struggles he went through, and the sacrifices he made for his nation throughout his life.

 

Indian Prime Minister 

Narendra Modi

India and Bangladesh moving forward together is equally important for the development of the entire region. Both the countries have demonstrated that with mutual trust and cooperation, solutions could be found for all issues, like the Land Boundary Agreement and cooperation during this pandemic. Bangladesh is showing its dynamism to the world under Prime Minister Hasina's leadership, proving wrong those who had objected to the creation of Bangladesh, looked down upon the people of Bangladesh, and those who had apprehended the existence of Bangladesh.

Bhutanese Prime Minister 

Lotay Tshering

A nation was born amid strife and turbulence, and it went on to make a remarkable progress. The improvements are so visible each time I visit the country, especially in the last one decade, the strides Bangladesh has made in its economy is highly commendable. despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Bangladesh has been able to retain one of the highest GDP growths in the continent. We are proud of the progress because a strong economy for Bangladesh will be an impetus for Bhutan and the region.

Nepalese President

Bidya Devi Bhandari

Bangabandhu pioneered the independence movement of Bangladesh ever since his youth and his incessant struggle gave birth to Bangladesh. Bangabandhu had deep love and esteem for the Bangla language. He was the person who championed the cause for the protection and promotion of Bangla with the support of Bangladeshi people. Nepal and Bangladesh are rich in terms of natural and human resources, and proper utilisation of these resources will be catalytic in transforming the development landscape, creating prosperity and happiness for the country's people.

Maldivian President 

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a symbol of democracy and freedom, whose efforts were instrumental in securing an independent destiny for Bangladesh's people. He would remain a source of inspiration for many generations to come. Throughout his life, Bangabandhu was a firm advocate of democracy and political liberty. Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, he would always have an honoured place in the hearts of those who yearn for democracy and freedom.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister 

Mahinda Rajapaksa

Bangabandhu was a person of principle who dedicated his whole life for the people of this land. He was determined to establish an independent nation, but unfortunately, his and most of his family members' lives were cut short. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hasina, daughter of Bangabandhu, Bangladesh is flourishing. The success of Bangladesh and its people is the best honour to the name of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh is an economic powerhouse in South Asia.

Pakistan Prime Minister 

Imran Khan

We would like to fortify our existing bonds with brotherly Bangladesh and build new ones for our succeeding generations, as we believe the destinies of our two peoples are intertwined. On this occasion, let us renew our resolve to jointly work for a better future for our peoples and closer ties between our two countries. On this occasion, let us renew our resolve to jointly work for a better future for our peoples and closer ties between our two countries.