ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Bangladesh commemorated the 52nd Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Bangladesh in a distinguished ceremony hosted by Brigadier General Abu Rubel Md Shahabuddin, who is the Defence Adviser to the Bangladesh High Commission, and Mrs Hahnur Tajrin Riny.

The event saw the presence of high commissioners and ambassadors, as well as defence and military attachés. Bangladesh Armed Forces Day is marked on November 21 annually.

In a series of speeches, Brig Gen Abu Rubel Md Shahabuddin and Ruhul Alam Siddique, who is the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, paid tribute to the revered founding figure of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Their homage extended to the courageous individuals who sacrificed in the War of Liberation and all those instrumental in shaping the nation.

Highlighting the remarkable growth of the Bangladesh armed forces since independence, Brig Gen Abu Rubel Md Shahabuddin praised its evolution into one of the most proficient and modern organisations globally. He credited this success to their qualitative advancements, comprehensive training programmes, and exemplary leadership standards, which had effectively realised the aspirations of the nation’s founding father.

Acknowledging the global role of the Bangladesh armed forces, Brig Gen Abu Rubel Md Shahabuddin expressed gratitude for the support and cooperation extended by Pakistan in military training. He emphasised the significance of the robust military cooperation and exchange between the armed forces of both nations, reflecting a commitment to mutual benefit and shared goals.

In his remarks, High Commissioner Ruhul Alam Siddique underscored Bangladesh’s foreign policy, echoing the founding principle of “friendship with all, malice towards none.” He highlighted the government’s emphasis on fostering a culture of peace, aligning with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision to shape a smart and developed Bangladesh by 2041.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2023