President Abdul Hamid today said politics in Bangladesh is now on a backward trajectory and some opportunists have made politics a profession.

 "The cardinal motto of politics should be -- party takes precedence over person and country over party. Unfortunately, it seems that politics has taken a backward course," he said.

He made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of a 10-day special programme marking 50 years of independence and the birth centenary of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman that began at Parade Ground.

The president delivered the welcome speech while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the opening ceremony.

During his speech, Hamid called upon the politicians to learn from the life and deeds of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and devote themselves to serving the country and people.

"Politics and profession are not the same thing. With a profession, one earns the livelihood for him/her and family and politics is a greater field to work for the welfare of the country and its people," he said.

Whether happiness in family life or a comfortable life, nothing could distract Bangabandhu from his goal, Hamid said adding that if Bangabandhu had wanted he could have become the prime minister of undivided Pakistan and spent his days happily with his family. 

"He could have immersed himself in wealth. But he very easily rejected all these and took the interest of the country and people as his vow in life," he added.

Hamid said future generations can know the glory of the Bengali nation as well as the courage and patriotism of their predecessors and enlighten themselves.

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih attended the inaugural function as guest of honour while Chinese President Xi Jinping and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered welcome speeches virtually.