Hon’ble Foreign Minister

 Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

A very good afternoon

Let me welcome you all to our humble effort of observing Bangladesh Foreign Service Day. It is a recognition by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, daughter of the Father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, for the historic role of valiant Bengali diplomats during our war of liberation.

Ladies and gentlemen

I cannot imagine what could be the mental condition of a defecting diplomat for a country - exist only in their aspiration and dream. I could only imagine the gruesome genocide of the night of March 25, 1971 must have motivated them to decide to sacrifice their all habitual comforts and embark on an uncertain journey.  They must have realized that it would be treachery to serve a government that could butcher its own people in millions.

We often utter the maxim that diplomacy is the first line of defence. It had literally been vindicated once again during our Liberation War by the gallantry of our diplomats. The usurper was not prepared for the utter shock, incurred by the offensive of the then brave Bangalee diplomats in New Delhi, in New Delhi, Calcutta, London, Washington, New York Baghdad, Manila, Kathmandu and so on. They have brought the theatre of our Liberation War into the international arena by exposing the atrocities committed against their people and the unimaginable proportion of human crisis, by articulating our just and legitimate cause for independence and self-determination, and of course, by securing diplomatic recognition of the international community for Bangladesh.

On this occasion, let me express my deep homage to every individual of the brave Bangalee diplomats and Embassy officials who defected to pledge their allegiance to the Government of Bangladesh. We are proud and greatly honoured to have amongst us, today, some those patriotic diplomats and their family members. (1. Family members of Late Hussein Ali, 2. Mr. Anwarul Karim Chowdhury 3.  Mr. Amjadul Huq). As we have started, we will continue to recognize and honor their historic contribution in greater way with even more befitting manner in future.

Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen,

With this promise, let me welcome you all to our today’s program.

I thank you all.

Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu

Long live Bangladesh