Staff Reporter:
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday extended his sincere greetings and congratulations to all members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force on the occasion of Armed Forces Day.
“I wish happiness, peace, and welfare for all members of the Armed Forces and their families. On this day, I pray for the overall success, improvement, and progress of the Armed Forces, and I pray for the eternal peace of the martyr souls who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War,” he said in a message, signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
Tarique Rahman said that the military forces of Bangladesh were formed on 21 November 1971 during the Liberation War. For this reason, 21 November is celebrated annually as Armed Forces Day, marking the progress and victory of the Liberation War.
The Armed Forces are a proud institution of the nation, built with fearless courage, valour, and disciplined resolve. The immensely brave role of this force on the battlefield of 1971 is a bright chapter in the country’s history.
“The patriotic members of the Armed Forces continue to act as vigilant sentinels in protecting our independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The role of the Bangladesh Armed Forces in maintaining world peace has further strengthened and made international relations commendable. I hope this role continues in the future,” he continued.
The robust role of the Armed Forces during all national natural disasters and calamities has transformed the force into a symbol of the nation’s trust, the BNP acting chairman added.
He mentioned that former President and former Army Chief Ziaur Rahman had undertaken and implemented extensive programmes aimed at developing the Armed Forces into a technology-dependent, dynamic, and efficient force, keeping pace with the modern world.
“He (Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman) was the one who transformed the Bangladesh Armed Forces into a well-educated and professional force. Since his time, the Bangladesh Armed Forces have become a disciplined, swift, and perpetually ready modern force, on par with the Army of any modern state in the world.
Similarly, during her tenure as prime minister, Khaleda Zia further developed the Armed Forces into a more modern force, which made a significant contribution on the global stage. Our efforts in this regard will continue in the future,” he said.
Tarique remembering with deep reverence the Bir Sreshtho (Most Valiant Heroes) who laid down their lives in the Liberation War– Sepoy Mostafa Kamal, Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir, Sepoy Hamidur Rahman, Mohammad Ruhul Amin, Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, Lance Nayek Noor Mohammad Sheikh and Lance Nayek Munshi Abdur Rouf.
He wished the entire programme for Armed Forces Day a success.
