Armed Forces Day Observed: Yunus urges Armed Forces to ensure festive national polls
Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday described the upcoming national elections as a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s democratic transition, expressing confidence that the members of the Armed Forces would carry out their duties with professionalism to ensure a smooth and festive voting process.
Addressing a reception at Dhaka Cantonment’s Senakunja on the occasion of Armed Forces Day 2025, Prof Yunus said, “The upcoming election will be regarded as an important chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic transition.
I firmly believe that the elections will be held in a seamless and festive manner.
To arrange this election, members of the Armed Forces will discharge their responsibilities with professionalism and expertise.”
Recalling the armed forces’ historic and ongoing contributions, he noted that since independence, the military has stood by the people in nation-building, disaster management, and protecting the country’s sovereignty.
Highlighting their role in recent events, he praised the Armed Forces for supporting citizens during the 2024 student-people uprising and in the ongoing state reconstruction and reform initiatives.
Prof Yunus paid tribute to the martyrs, wounded, and valiant freedom fighters of the 1971 Liberation War, as well as participants of the 2024 July–August uprising.
He also expressed sorrow over the deaths and injuries caused by a recent earthquake that affected several districts.
Speaking on the history of Bangladesh’s military, he recounted how, following atrocities by Pakistani forces on March 25, 1971, Major Ziaur Rahman declared the country’s independence on March 27 from Chittagong’s Kalurghat Betar Kendra.
He noted that on 21 November 1971, the Army, Navy, and Air Force launched joint operations against occupation forces — a milestone now commemorated annually as Armed Forces Day.
He emphasized that without victory, the brave soldiers and their families would have faced unimaginable suffering.
Prof Yunus praised the courage and sacrifice of army, navy, and air force personnel, noting how their leadership inspired civilians to join the resistance.
He described the organisation of the Bangladesh Forces into 11 sectors, training freedom fighters across the country and culminating in the historic joint operations of 21 November that paved the way for victory on 16 December.
“The contribution of our armed forces in the 1971 Liberation War will be written in golden letters in the history of Bangladesh,” he said.
On national defence, the Chief Adviser stressed that Bangladesh values respectful coexistence with friendly nations but must remain prepared to protect its sovereignty.
He noted that while defence capabilities had been neglected during previous “fascist rule,” the interim government has undertaken extensive modernisation efforts, including weapons acquisition, domestic production, advanced training, and technological upgrades.
Prof Yunus also highlighted the expansion of BNCC activities to engage students and youth in national defence and welfare initiatives, saying these steps have elevated Bangladesh’s defence capabilities to a new level.
He lauded the contribution of Bangladesh’s peacekeepers, noting that over the past 37 years, they have completed 63 missions in 43 countries and continue to serve in 10 ongoing missions, including as one of the largest contributors of women peacekeepers globally.
He expressed gratitude to representatives of friendly countries present at the event, acknowledging their training support and cooperation with Bangladesh Armed Forces under United Nations missions.
Prof Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to supporting UN peacekeeping efforts and ensuring that its troops are equipped and trained to operate effectively in challenging environments.
The event, attended by chiefs of the three services, serving and retired armed forces members, family members, foreign guests, and political leaders, began with a minute of silence for earthquake victims.
The Chief Adviser concluded by wishing peace and well-being for all Armed Forces members and their families, emphasizing unity for the development and progress of the country.