Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said they are determined to build a Bangladesh where people are the true source of power and the nation will be recognised across the world as a beacon of humanity and benevolence.

Prof Yunus also assured the freedom fighters, martyrs, martyred and injured students and others who joined the student-led revolution that the government would strive to build a prosperous future, using the sacrifices made by students and the common people as a foundation for a new Bangladesh.

Marking the Armed Forces Day, the Armed Forces Division arranged the event in Dhaka Cantonment to accord reception to gallantry award winning freedom fighters and their inheritors.

The Chief Adviser emphasised the importance of global collaboration to address the climate crisis, foster peace, and strengthen the global economy, while upholding friendly relations with all nations.

“We will maintain friendships with all countries, built on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. These principles will be the foundation of our foreign policy. It is crucial that we work together to combat the climate crisis and fortify global peace and economic stability,” he said.

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The Chief Adviser stressed the need for Bangladesh to move forward in tandem with global developments. "We must ensure that our young society, despite resource limitations, can contribute to nation-building by fostering creativity based on merit," he added.

Reflecting on the contributions of the armed forces during the Great Liberation War, Prof Yunus recalled that on this day in 1971, the courageous members of the armed forces, together with the people of Bangladesh, launched a coordinated fight against the Pakistani occupation forces.

“This marked the turning point in the struggle, leading to the victory that established Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation,” he said.

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Prof Yunus also honored the sacrifices of the nation's martyrs.

“Today, I pay my deepest respects to all the brave souls who gave their lives in the War of Independence and pray for the forgiveness of their departed spirits,” he said.

The Chief Adviser expressed his respect for the families of the freedom fighters and the war-wounded veterans present at the ceremony.

On the recent student-led revolution, Prof Yunus said that a "new Bangladesh" was achieved on August 5, 2024, through the efforts of students and ordinary citizens.

“Our responsibility now is to unite the people into one larger family,” he said. “Differences in opinion are natural, but we must never consider each other enemies due to those differences, be it ideological or religious.”

He said that Bangladesh’s future should be one where all citizens are equal.

"No one is above or below anyone else in the national life,” Prof Yunus said, reiterating the government’s commitment to fulfilling the dreams of the freedom fighters who envisioned a welfare state free from discrimination and exploitation.

He wished peace, happiness, and prosperity for the people of Bangladesh, particularly the valiant freedom fighters and their families.