Bangladesh an economic powerhouse in South Asia: Rajapaksa

Terming Bangladesh an economic powerhouse of South Asia_ Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said his country has stood by Bangladesh to achieve greater freedom and prosperity.

Lankan PM made the remarks while addressing the third-day function  Jotokal Robe Padma_ Jamuna of the 10-day gala programme titled  Eternal Mujib to celebrate the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh s independence as the guest of honour at the National Parade Ground on Friday afternoon.

Mahinda Rajapaksa is the second international leader to attend the programme physically and extend his heartfelt compliments and sincere and warm wishes to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina_ her government_ and the people of Bangladesh.

He said he joined the celebrations despite the COVID-19 challenges to express solidarity on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka.

 Our objectives of economic transformation_ eradication of poverty and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals remain key priorities in the middle of great challenges_ Rajapaksa said.

 In the 21st century_ with the great aspirations for Asian prosperity_ our new generations need to be aware of the countless sacrifices made by their forefathers to achieve freedom_ he added.

He also said_  Many scholars believe that the first migrations from Bengal arrived in Sri Lanka through maritime routes as far back as 2_500 years ago.

 It is also believed that Sri Lanka and Bangladesh had vibrant trade exchanges since 6th Century BC_ Rajapaksa said_ adding:  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.

Paying tribute to the Father of the Nation_ the Sri Lankan Prime Minister said_  Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a person of principles who dedicated his entire life to the Bangalee people_ their language and their wellbeing.

 He was determined to continue his freedom struggle until the creation of a new nation of Bangladesh in 1971. Unfortunately he couldn t live to realise the dreams he nurtured for his beloved country_ he said.

He said he understands the agony of the immense loss that occurred on August 15_ 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_ Rajapaksa said.

Addressing his counterpart Sheikh Hasina_ the Sri Lankan Prime Minister said_  Despite huge setbacks_ Bangladesh continues to flourish under your able leadership -- that s the best honour in the name of your esteemed father.

As a tribute to his legacy and in dedication to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman_ Rajapaksa quoted a part of a poem written by Rabindranath Tagore:  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.