ISLAMABAD: The high commission of Bangladesh marked the 51st armed forces day, paying tributes to the founder of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and remembering the fallen heroes of the liberation war.

“In their memory, I pay profound homage. I also recall the men and women who made endless sacrifices to realise the nation’s dreams, including those who made supreme sacrifices for the cause of peace around the world,” said the host of the evening, the defence adviser of Bangladesh, Brig Gen Abul Fazal, who opened his welcome remarks by expressing solidarity with victims of this year’s floods in Pakistan, and wishing them quick recovery and normalcy.

Marked every year on November 21, the day took its origin from September 21, 1971. Every year, this historical day reminded the members of the Bangladesh armed forces of commitment imbibed, with the values and spirit of the liberation war. “On this day, we vow for unity, solidarity and camaraderie,” said Brig Fazal.

He said that since independence, Bangladesh armed forces had grown as one of the most professional institutions. Besides domestic commitments, they have made a place as a leading proponent in global peace under the aegis of the UN.

Brig Fazal, in his parting notes, expressed gratitude to the armed forces of Pakistan for their assistance in mutual training and cooperation. He appreciated the mutual cooperation with all countries. “I pray for the bond of friendship to grow for the good of the people and humanity at large,” he said.

A brief history and the evolution of the armed forces and that of the country were captured in the video presentation, screened after the speech.

Dean of diplomatic corps, head of missions of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Maldives and the chief guest, Senator Talah Mahmood, joined the high commissioner of Bangladesh, Ruhul Alam Siddiqui, on stage for cutting the cake.

The high commissioner began his speech with homage to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led the Bangali nation to independence and to the fallen heroes from the Bangladesh armed forces for their supreme sacrifices.

He said Bangladesh had been following a foreign policy based on the idea of friendship with all, introduced by the father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“His able daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been carrying forward the legacy of her father. The culture of peace is one of the priority concepts of PM Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh is proud to be part of UN peace keeping missions as one of the largest troop contributing country,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2022