Appreciating the role of the Armed Forces during the 2024 uprising, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday sought support from the Armed Forces, police and other law enforcement agencies to hold the upcoming national election in a peaceful and festive manner in the first half of February next year.
“Again, we need the support of our Armed Forces, of our police, law enforcement agencies,” he said, noting that now is the time for the election and they are looking forward to it, scheduled to be held in the first half of February next year.
Prof Yunus said it is a big undertaking, coming from an uprising and moving to an election, which is going to be “peaceful, a kind of celebration, a need for happiness and being together,” while still allowing people to express their own desires and aspirations.
He made the remarks while speaking at the graduation certificate-giving ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) Course-2025 at the DSCSC Complex in Mirpur Cantonment.
DSCSC is a prime military institution of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.
The Chief Adviser reiterated the nation’s trust in the DSCSC as a pillar of excellence in military education and leadership development.
Congratulating all the graduating officers, he advised them to utilise the knowledge, wisdom, and determination they acquired in the course for the progress of the nation.
Prof Yunus also highly appreciated the global reputation of DSCSC as a leading military institution.
Referring to technological advancements, cyberspace, media, including social media, misinformation, disinformation, and multifaceted geographical and strategic issues, he said, “You need a deeper understanding of this future security landscape in navigating such complex dynamics.”
He said they must always remember the national geographic potentials, geostrategic potentials, and vulnerabilities so they are able to protect their national interests at any cost.
“I’m very happy to know that your course curricula have deepened your understanding and knowledge of modern-day challenges… Let your leadership serve not only the nation, but also the global community. Together, let us build a world where power is dedicated to serving people, and leadership is defined by selfless service,” Prof Yunus said.
Record number of first-time voters to vote, AL can’t participate: Prof Yunus
He said, “Let Bangladesh Armed Forces be recognized not only for their efficiency, but for their morality; not only for their vigour, but also for their wisdom; not only for their conquest, but for their compassion. And remember that courage and wisdom should march side by side.”
Prof Yunus said this is an exciting moment for him, seeing that occasion, going through it, and being part of that ceremony. “But for you, those who are receiving these degrees today, it is a memory of a lifetime,” he added.
Addressing the graduates, he said, “While you are in Bangladesh, I’m sure you have familiarised yourself with the country. While you’re going through your preparations and your studies for the coursework, which is a routine thing anywhere you go, you will go through that.”
“But you are lucky to be here in Bangladesh at a time when the country is going through a tremendous transition and transformation, and as we repeatedly mention, we are moving to a new Bangladesh,” the Chief Adviser said.Speaking about Bangladesh’s student-people’s bloody uprising last year, which ended the past regime, he said new hopes and aspirations have been created among the country’s people.
