Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday said the upcoming national election, scheduled for February next year, will mark an important chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic transition.
He called upon members of the Armed Forces to carry out their duties with skill and professionalism to ensure a smooth and festive election.
The Chief Adviser made the remarks at a reception marking Armed Forces Day at Senakunja in the afternoon.
As a peace-loving nation, Prof Yunus said, Bangladesh believes in respectful cooperation with all friendly countries.
“However, we must always remain ready and determined to protect the country’s sovereignty from any aggressive external attack,” he added.
To this end, he said, efforts are underway to modernize the army, navy and air force, enhance training, and integrate modern technology into the forces in line with developed countries.
Recalling the joint operation of the Army, Navy and Air Force on this day in 1971, Prof Yunus said their combined efforts against the Pakistani occupation forces paved the way for Bangladesh’s final victory in the Liberation War on December 16, 1971.
He said the contributions of the Armed Forces during the 1971 Liberation War will be written in golden letters in the history of Bangladesh.
In addition to safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty, Prof Yunus said the Armed Forces have always stood by people during national disasters.
Recalling the formation of the Bangladesh Armed Forces during the 1971 Liberation War, he said that after the atrocities committed by the Pakistani occupation forces on March 25, then-Major (and later President) Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh on March 27 from the Kalurghat Betar Kendra in Chattogram.
He said the Armed Forces also stood by people during the 2024 student uprising and continue to support ongoing national reconstruction and reform efforts.
“I believe the Bangladesh Armed Forces, loyal to democratic and disciplined leadership, will continue this tradition of sacrifice and service for the nation, combining professional skills with patriotism,” Prof Yunus said.
Over the past 37 years, he noted, Bangladesh’s peacekeepers have successfully completed 63 missions in 43 countries.
“At present, our peacekeepers are engaged in 10 missions in different parts of the world,” he added.
Prof Yunus also said Bangladesh is now one of the largest contributors of women peacekeepers and has earned global recognition as a responsible and reliable partner in international efforts for peace and security.
He expressed sincere gratitude to members of the Armed Forces and said efforts must continue to provide timely training and necessary equipment to Bangladeshi peacekeepers so they can effectively operate in challenging and high-risk environments around the world.
He thanked the diplomats stationed in Dhaka and guests from the friendly countries for joining them to celebrate the Armed Forces Day.
"On this occasion, we gratefully recall the contribution of the people of our friendly nations during our War of Liberation. I am also thankful for the excellent training support and assistance provided to our
Armed Forces by your countries," Prof Yunus said.
"I must mention that it is a unique opportunity and great experience for our troops to work together with the global peacekeepers under the umbrella of the United Nations," he mentioned.
Prof Yunus assured full support to the United Nations in the global peace efforts by the Armed Forces.
At the outset, he solemnly honoured all martyrs, the wounded, and the valiant freedom fighters of the great Liberation War, as well as the martyrs, injured, and participants of the July–August 2024 student–people’s uprising.
He also expressed deep shock and sorrow at the deaths and injuries caused by house collapses and other incidents triggered by a powerful earthquake that struck several districts of the country.
