Armed Forces Day
Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi lauds Bangladesh army for safeguarding independence, maintaining peace in conflict-torn regions of the world
Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, a gallantry award-recipient valiant freedom fighter, has said that along with safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of the country, members of the armed forces have also earned global appreciation for maintaining peace and stability in conflict-torn regions of the world.
Chowdhury, also an adviser to the prime minister on power, energy and mineral resources, said Bangladesh’s armed forces is making huge contributions to the country’s ongoing development under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC hosted a reception on Monday to celebrate the 51st Armed Forces Day. Chowdhury, who is currently in USA, attended the event.
Read more: New Delhi mission celebrates Bangladesh's Armed Forces Day
Gabe Camarillo, Under Secretary of US Army, was present at the function. Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA, Muhammad Imran, also spoke at the event held at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Embassy.
Lieutenant General Michael T. Plehn, President of National Defence University, USA; and Afreen Akhter, US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, were also present at the event.
The programme began with the playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and USA.
A short documentary on the activities of the Bangladesh Armed Forces was screened.
Dr Chowdhury greeted the members of the armed forces on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day and recalled with profound respect the great sacrifice and long struggle of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led the nation to achieve its long-cherished independence.
He also recalled with deep respect the bravery and supreme sacrifice of the valiant freedom fighters – both military and civilians – in the Liberation War.
Under Secretary of US Army Gabe Camarillo said USA and Bangladesh celebrated the 51st anniversary of Bangladesh Armed Forces and 50 years of friendly relations between the two countries.
Noting that Bangladesh is the world's largest troop contributors to the UN Peacekeeping Operation, he said the United States recognises the sacrifice of the Bangladesh Armed Forces both for defence of the country in Bangladesh and maintaining peace and stability around the world.
Ambassador Imran paid deepest homage to the architect of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman under whose leadership Bangladesh achieved final victory on December 16, 1971 following a nine-month-long armed Liberation War.
He noted with satisfaction the multifaceted cooperation between the armed forces of Bangladesh and the United States – in terms of UN peacekeeping operations, sharing of knowledge and experiences, training, procurement and exchange of visits, etc.
Read more: PM Hasina hails the Armed Forces for standing by the people : PM
Diplomats and Defence Attaches from a number of countries, senior officials from the Pentagon, Department of State, and other US organizations, members of Bangladeshi diaspora and Embassy officials and employees attended the function.
Defence Attaché of Bangladesh Embassy Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam welcomed the guests at the reception and thanked the USA for the support and cooperation extended that is mutually beneficial for the two countries.
Minister (Political-1) Dewan Ali Ashraf conducted the programme.
New Delhi mission celebrates Bangladesh's Armed Forces Day
The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Monday celebrated the Armed Forces Day, vowing to uphold the image of Bangladesh Armed Forces and boost the country's positive image across the world.
To celebrate the day, Lieutenant General Tarun Kumar Aich, director general of Military Intelligence of the Indian Army was the chief guest at the programme. Many war veterans of the Indian Armed Forces, diplomats of different countries and most of the defence advisers or attaches residing in Delhi attended the event.
Read more: PM Hasina hails the Armed Forces for standing by the people : PM
Lieutenant General Tarun laid a floral wreath to the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and paid homage to all martyrs of the Liberation War of 1971. The national anthems of both countries were played.
Also, a video clip on the contribution of the Bangladesh Armed Forces was played.
Brigadier General Md Abul Kalam Azad, defence adviser at the Bangladesh mission, delivered the welcome speech. He highlighted the progression of defence cooperation between India and Bangladesh, as well as the advancement of Bangladesh Armed Forces at home and in the international arena.
Md Mustafizur Rahman, the high commissioner of Bangladesh to India, highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between the neighbouring countries.
Lieutenant General Tarun stressed the deep connection between the two armed forces, assuring to elevate the defence cooperation to a newer height.
Read more: Armed Forces Day: President pays tributes to martyrs
3 services chiefs call on President Hamid
Chiefs of the three services on Monday paid a courtesy call on President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban on the occasion of Armed Forces Day.
Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan met the President at 7:30 pm, President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin briefed the reporters.
Read: Armed Forces Day: President pays tributes to martyrs
He said the Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force briefed the President about various activities of their respective forces during the meeting.
President Hamid said that the members of the armed forces have brought honour to the country through their activities at the national and international levels.
President hoped that the members of the armed forces will be able to contribute more to the development of the country in the future by increasing their professional skills.
PM Hasina hails the Armed Forces for standing by the people : PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday lauded the country’s military for standing by the side the people during natural disasters and other crisis.
“I believe that our army is now truly the people's army. The armed forces stand beside the people during any disaster and accident and extend their cooperation to them,” she said.
The premier was addressing a civic and military gathering at a reception arranged at Senakunja of Dhaka Cantonment on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day 2022.
Read more: Bangladesh has changed a lot under Awami League govt: PM Hasina
We want peace, not war:
Hasina said Bangladesh doesn’t want war against anyone, but instead wants peace and friendly relations with all the countries.
“We’ll not fight against anyone. We want peace,” she said.
The PM said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had framed the policy of ‘Friendship to All, Malice to None’ (the cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy) and this is being followed by her government.
On this day during the War of Liberation in 1971, the Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising Army, Navy and Air Force, came into being and launched an all-out attack on the Pakistani occupation forces which accelerated the victory in the Liberation War.
Since the independence of the country, this historic day is observed as the Armed Forces Day.
She said her government has relentlessly been working for the socio-economic uplift of the common people of the country by keeping the friendly relations with all countries of the world in line with the policy.
Bangladesh out of this situation: PM
Sheikh Hasina said her government can take ahead the development programmes since a democratic trend continues now, but unfortunately the Covid-19 pandemic affected the progress of the country.
She said the prices of commodities and transport cost soared significantly due to the Ukraine-Russia war and sanctions following the pandemic.
“Even then we’ve been trying as much as possible so that our people don’t suffer (from price-hikes of essentials),” she said, adding that they are trying to purchase from every possible source to ease their sufferings.
Read more: Armed Forces Day: PM pays tribute at Shikha Anirban
She focused on the ongoing food programmes run by the government to support the poor people amid this crisis. “We’ve been implementing all sorts of steps to improve the life and livelihood of the people,” she added.
The PM said Bangladesh was recognised as a role model for development, but the pandemic, war and sanctions have put the country largely into trouble. Economic recession is now seen everywhere including the UK, the US and Europe, she added.
“In this situation, our economy still remains vibrant and is moving. But with cooperation from all, we would definitely be able to take it out of this situation (trouble),” said Hasina.
She reiterated her call to grow more foods and cultivate every piece of arable land.
Focusing on her government’s steps to modernise the armed forces, the premier said she has developed every force and built up every institute so that the Army, Navy and Air Force can move, keeping the pace with the world as the Armed Forces of Bangladesh are working in the United Nations peacekeeping missions.
She said the peacekeepers of Bangladesh have been working in the UN missions for 34 years with dedication and pride. Now Bangladesh is the largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping operations, she added.
PM’s Security Affairs Adviser Major Gen (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and the chiefs of the three services were present.
Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, cabinet members, political leaders, foreign diplomats, leading figures representing different professions, editors, senior civil and military officials and their spouses, among others, attended the reception.
Armed Forces Day: President pays tributes to martyrs
President Abdul Hamid on Monday paid tribute to the martyred members of Armed Forces on the occasion of Armed Forces Day-2022.
He placed a wreath at the altar of Shikha Anirban (flame eternal) at Dhaka Cantonment this morning.
Read more: Armed Forces Day: PM pays tribute at Shikha Anirban
Hamid, also the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, stood in solemn silence for some time to show profound respect to the memories of the martyrs members of armed forces, who made supreme sacrifices during the Liberation War.
Armed Forces Day: PM pays tribute at Shikha Anirban
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday paid tribute to the martyred members of Bangladesh Armed Forces on the occasion of Armed Forces Day-2022.
The prime minister paid homage by placing a wreath at the Shikha Anirban (flame eternal) in Dhaka Cantonment this morning.
Read more: Armed Forces Day to be observed Monday
After laying the wreath, she stood in solemn silence for some time to show profound respect to the memories of the armed forces martyrs, who made supreme sacrifices during the Liberation War.
A smartly-turned out contingent drawn from Army, Navy and Air Force presented a guard of honour at that time, while the bugle played the last post.
Later, Sheikh Hasina, also in-charge of the Ministry of Defence, signed the visitors' book kept on the premises of Shikha Anirban.
PM's Security Adviser Major General (rtd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique was present on the occasion.
Earlier, on her arrival at Shikha Anirban, the prime minister was received by chiefs of the three services.
After placing the wreath, the prime minister went to the Armed Forces Division (AFD) where the chiefs of the three services made a courtesy call on her.
Read more: Traffic movement to be restricted at Dhaka Cantonment Monday
On this day during the War of Liberation in 1971, the Bangladesh Armed Forces, comprising Army, Navy and Air Force, came into being and launched an all-out attack on the Pakistani occupation forces which expedited the victory in the Liberation War.
After the independence of the country, this historic day is being observed as the Armed Forces Day every year.
Armed Forces Day to be observed Monday
Armed Forces Day will be observed across the country on Monday with due solemnity and enthusiasm.
On this day in 1971, Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising army, navy and air force came into being and launched an all-out attack on the Pakistani occupation forces.
Since the country's independence, the day has been observed as the Armed Forces Day every year.
The day’s programmes will start with the offering of special prayers in mosques of all cantonments, naval outposts and establishments and air force outposts after Fajr prayers seeking divine blessings for the country’s welfare and progress and continued development and progress of the Armed Forces.
Read more: Be ready to fight if enemy attacks peace-loving Bangladesh, PM urges armed forces
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at ‘Shikha Anirban’ (the Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning to pay homage to members of the Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in the War of Liberation.
President Abdul Hamid, who is also the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion.
The chiefs of the three services will place wreaths at ‘Shikha Anirban’ at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning from their respective forces.
Later, the three chiefs will pay courtesy calls on the president at Bangabhaban and the Prime Minister at the Armed Forces Division at Dhaka Cantonment.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister will host a reception and meet the family members of the Bir Shresthas and other gallantry award-winning freedom fighters at Army Multipurpose Complex.
In the afternoon, Sheikh Hasina will also host a reception at 4pm at Sena Kunja in Dhaka Cantonment to commemorate the day.
The chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force will also accord receptions to the award-winning freedom fighters of their respective forces and their inheritors.
Meanwhile, programmes have been chalked out to observe the day at all army garrisons, naval ships and establishments and air force bases throughout the country.
Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast a special programme titled ‘Special Anirban’ after its 8 pm bulletin on Monday highlighting the significance of the day.
Bangladesh Betar will broadcast a special ‘Special Durbar’ programme at 7:30pm.
The national dailies will publish special supplements on the occasion.
President Abdul Hamid, who is also the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion.
In his message, President Abdul Hamid said the government has formulated ‘Forces Goal 2030’ to modernize the Armed Forces. Under the purview of it, modern military equipment is being added to the Armed Forces which will undoubtedly make the forces more modern, efficient and dynamic.
He also expected that, by imbibing the spirit of the great liberation war, the members of the Armed Forces will make every effort to uphold the glory of the armed forces through loyalty to the state and leadership with the coordination of hard work and patriotism.
In her message, Prime Minister said “I hope that the members of Armed Forces will perform their duties with patriotism, professionalism and sincerity by imbibe the spirit of the Liberation War. We’ll be able to build a hunger-poverty-free and happy-rich golden Bangladesh dreamt by the Father of the Nation with the collective efforts of all.”
Armed Forces Day to be observed Sunday
Armed Forces Day will be observed across the country on Sunday with due solemnity and enthusiasm.
On this day in 1971, Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising army, navy and air force came into being and launched an all-out attack on the Pakistani occupation forces.
Read: Armed Forces Day: 3 chiefs visit President in Bangabhaban
Since the country's independence, the day has been observed as the Armed Forces Day every year.
The day’s programmes will start with the offering of special prayers in mosques of all cantonments, naval outposts and establishments and air force outposts after Fajr prayers seeking divine blessings for the country’s welfare and progress and continued development and progress of the Armed Forces.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at ‘Shikha Anirban’ (the Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning to pay homage to members of the Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in the War of Liberation.
President Abdul Hamid, who is also the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion.
The chiefs of the three services will place wreaths at ‘Shikha Anirban’ at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning from their respective forces.
Later, the three chiefs will pay courtesy calls on the president at Bangabhaban and the Prime Minister at the Armed Forces Division at Dhaka Cantonment.
Read: Armed Forces Day: President pays tribute at Shikha Anirban
On the occasion, the Prime Minister will host a reception and meet the family members of the Bir Shresthas and other gallantry award-winning freedom fighters virtually at Army Multipurpose Complex.
In the afternoon, Sheikh Hasina will also host a reception at 4pm at Sena Kunja in Dhaka Cantonment to commemorate the day.
The chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force will also accord receptions to the award-winning freedom fighters of their respective forces and their inheritors.
On the occasion, the speaker of the parliament, the chief justice, former presidents of the country, opposition leader of the parliament, cabinet ministers, state ministers, former chief advisors, election commissioners, journalists, educationalists and other high officials will be present as guests.
Meanwhile, programmes have been chalked out to observe the day at all army garrisons, naval ships and establishments and air force bases throughout the country.
Specially decorated ships of the Navy will remain open at Sadarghat in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Chandpur and Barishal for visitors from 2pm till sunset.
Bangladesh Television (BTV) was scheduled to broadcast a special programme titled ‘Special Anirban’ after its 8 pm bulletin on Sunday highlighting the significance of the day.
Bangladesh Betar will broadcast a special ‘ Special Durbar’ programme at 7:30pm on Sunday.
The national dailies will publish special supplements on the occasion.
Besides, online essay and drawing competitions will be arranged in educational institutions under the Armed Forces.
Myanmar protests continue a day after more than 100 killed
Protesters in Myanmar returned to the streets Sunday to press their demands for a return to democracy, just a day after security forces killed more than 100 people in the bloodiest day since last month's military coup.
Protests were held in Yangon and Mandalay, the country’s two biggest cities, as well as elsewhere. Some of the demonstrations were again met with police force.
At least 114 people were killed Saturday as security forces cracked down on protests against the Feb. 1 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, according to the online news service Myanmar Now. The reported fatalities included several children under 16 years old.
Also read: 93 killed in one of deadliest days since Myanmar coup
Similar tallies of the death toll were issued by other Myanmar media and researchers, far exceeding the previous highest death toll on March 14. The number of killings since the coup is now more than 420, according to multiple counts.
The coup reversed years of progress toward democracy after five decades of military rule and has again made Myanmar the focus of international scrutiny.
The Saturday killings by police and soldiers took place throughout the country as Myanmar’s military celebrated the annual Armed Forces Day holiday with a parade in the country’s capital, Naypyitaw.
The bloodshed quickly drew international condemnation, both from diplomatic missions within Myanmar and from abroad.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was shocked by the killings of civilians, including children.
“The continuing military crackdown is unacceptable and demands a firm, unified & resolute international response,” he wrote on Twitter.
Also read: 320 killed in Myanmar military's crackdowns on protests, group says
In the United States, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a tweet that his country was “horrified by the bloodshed perpetrated by Burmese security forces, showing that the junta will sacrifice the lives of the people to serve the few.”
The military chiefs of 12 nations issued a joint statement condemning the use of force against unarmed people.
“A professional military follows international standards for conduct and is responsible for protecting — not harming — the people it serves,” it said. “We urge the Myanmar Armed Forces to cease violence and work to restore respect and credibility with the people of Myanmar that it has lost through its actions.
The statement was issued by the defense chiefs of Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The human rights group Amnesty International revived criticism that the international community was not doing enough to end the state violence in Myanmar.
“U.N. Security Council member states’ continued refusal to meaningfully act against this never-ending horror is contemptible,” said Ming Yu Hah, the organization’s deputy regional director for campaigns.
Also read: Myanmar crackdown: UN chief demands firm, unified and resolute international response
The Security Council has condemned the violence but not advocated concerted action against the junta, such as a ban on selling it arms. China and Russia are both major arms suppliers to Myanmar’s military as well as politically sympathetic, and as members of the council would almost certainly veto any such move.
In recent days the junta has portrayed the demonstrators as the ones perpetrating violence for their sporadic use of Molotov cocktails. On Saturday, some protesters in Yangon were seen carrying bows and arrows. It has said its use of force has been justified to stop what it has called rioting.
Myanmar: Protests erupt again amid a show of force by coup leaders
Myanmar's security forces have cracked down on new protests as the leaders of its coup marked Armed Forces Day.
Protesters took to the streets of Yangon and other cities, with reports that 16 had been shot dead.
Coup leader Min Aung Hlaing said in a national TV address on Saturday he would "safeguard democracy", promising elections but giving no timetable, reports BBC
More than 320 people have been killed in the suppression of protests since the coup on 1 February.
State TV warned in a separate broadcast on Friday that people "should learn from the tragedy of earlier ugly deaths that you can be in danger of getting shot to the head and back".
Also read: Protests in Myanmar as junta chief marks Armed Forces Day
What did the coup leader say?
"The army seeks to join hands with the entire nation to safeguard democracy," Min Aung Hlaing said in his live broadcast on Saturday.
"Violent acts that affect stability and security in order to make demands are inappropriate."
He added that the army had to seize power because of "unlawful acts" by democratically-elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, the National League for Democracy.
However, he did not specifically say that the military had been given shoot-to-kill orders. The junta has previously tried to claim that shootings have come from among the protesters.
Also read: Myanmar: UN expert urges emergency summit to head off deepening crisis
Armed Forces Day commemorates the start of Myanmar's military resistance against Japanese occupation in 1945.
The parade is usually attended by officials from other nations. However, it appeared that Russian deputy defence minister Alexander Formin was the only foreign official there.
"Russia is a true friend," Min Aung Hlaing added.
The US, UK and EU have all imposed sanctions in response to the military coup. Myanmar and Russia's defence ties have grown in recent years. In that time Moscow has provided training to thousands of soldiers, and has sold arms to the military.
What is happening on the streets?
Anti-coup activists had called for major demonstrations on Saturday, despite the military's threat to use deadly force against them.
Police were out in strength, trying to prevent rallies, particularly in Yangon.
At least 16 people were killed by security forces, local media reports said, four of them outside a police station in the Dala suburb of Yangon.
Also read: Myanmar junta frees hundreds held for anti-coup protests
Protesters were also on the streets of the second-largest city Mandalay, carrying the flag of Ms Suu Kyi's party and adopting the now traditional anti-authoritarian three-finger salute.
One journalist told Agence France-Presse police had used live ammunition against protesters in the north-eastern city of Lashio.
Dr Sasa, a spokesman anti-junta group CRPH, told Reuters: "Today is a day of shame for the armed forces, The military generals are celebrating Armed Forces Day after they just killed more than 300 innocent civilians."