Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith has hinted at his retirement in a speech on Friday, mentioning his age.
Muhith said: “It has become very necessary to retire. I feel very lucky that I am involved in service for the country, even at the age of 83. However, retirement has become very necessary.”
“Serving a country is a matter of great joy. By this virtue of this joy, I have continued to progress till now. This is as best as I can achieve.”
He made the statement in a speech as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the Independent Festival 2016 in the capital.
Muktijuddho Academy organised the daylong programme in the Bangladesh National Museum auditorium to show gratitude for and memorialise the first 45 countries which recognised Bangladesh.
“Like other nations in their liberation war, we received help from other countries,” Muhith said, adding that: “One of the most glorious times of my life is 1971.”
The event began with the Bangladeshi national anthem, and later, the national anthems of 43 nations who recognised Bangladesh during and immediately after the 1971 Liberation War were played as an expression of gratitude.
Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla spoke briefly, as did representatives from Bhutan, Nepal and Russia.
Moreover, Muktijuddho Academy adviser Dr Sharif Ashrafuzzaman read out a letter of gratitude.
