Online Desk : Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada Dr Khalilur Rahman has expressed optimism that the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Canada will expand and strengthen in the future across all domains, including trade and investment.

He acknowledged the wholehearted support of the government and people of Canada during Bangladesh`s Liberation War, reports UNB.

Speaking at the Independence Day programme, the envoy noted the historically friendly bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Canada since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 14 February 1972, especially in the areas of mutual interests, including human rights, development, counter-extremism, women`s empowerment and combating climate change.

The Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa observed Independence and National Day with dignity and fervour.

Khalilur Rahman hoisted the national flag with the playing of national anthem at Bangladesh House in Ottawa in presence of all officers and officials of the High Commission.

A special prayer was offered to honour the souls of the Father of the Nation and the architect of independence, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the 3 million martyrs of the Liberation War.

In the second segment of the programme, a special discussion meeting, chaired by the High Commissioner, was convened in the High Commission`s auditorium during the afternoon.

Valiant Freedom Fighters and members from the Bangladeshi community in Canada participated in this discussion meeting.

The program commenced with the placing of floral wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation by the High Commissioner.

Following this, messages from the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on this occasion were read out by the High Commission officers.

This was followed by the screening of a documentary in commemoration of Independence and National Day.

The High Commissioner especially invited the valiant freedom fighters present in the discussion meeting to speak.

They hailed Bangladesh`s independence as the nation`s greatest achievement.

They pledged to work collectively to instill the spirit of the Liberation War and patriotism among the second and third generations of Bangladeshis residing in Canada.

The High Commissioner also posed for photographs with the valiant freedom fighters.

In his address, Khalilur Rahman highlighted the pivotal role of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in leading the nation towards independence.

He recalled Bangabandhu`s call for independence on 7 March 1971, in his famous speech at the then Racecourse, and the subsequent declaration of independence by him in the early hours of 26 March 1971, urging all to join the war.

The High Commissioner paid homage to the sacrifices of the 3 million martyrs and the two hundred thousand mothers and sisters who were violated and endured profound suffering during the liberation war. He emphasized the importance of embodying the non-communal spirit of the Liberation War in both societal and political lives.

He lauded Bangladesh`s remarkable economic progress, especially in the last one and a half decades under the leadership of Bangabandhu`s able daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The envoy called upon all Bangladeshis living at home and abroad to contribute to building a developed and prosperous `Smart Bangladesh` by 2041 under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.