For most people a 25th anniversary celebration is an excuse for a grand party. For us, the men and women of The Daily Star, it is an opportunity to express our profound gratitude to our readers, patrons and supporters who have been with us through thick and thin for the last 25 years. This is also when we reflect upon our past with an eye to the future.  

Our grateful thanks to Mr. Md Abdul Hamid, the Hon'ble President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh who was kind enough to grace the inaugural programme of our silver jubilee celebrations. We are humbled by the opportunity to be able to honour 24 distinguished personalities and the Liberation War Museum for their selfless and tireless contribution to nation-building. The Daily Star family is also grateful to the foreign dignitaries who took the trouble to be here with us on this joyous occasion and inspire us to do better. 

Our message today is simple: that we have never faltered in our resolution to give a voice to the dreams, hopes and aspirations of the common people of this country. Our pledge today is firm: that we will continue to work with the faith, devotion and energy necessary to build a knowledge-based society where the strong are just and the weak secure. 

United, there is little this nation cannot do. Split asunder, there is little we can do. We ask all to carry us in our journey as a force of unity, peace and harmony.