Forces Goal 2030 Will Glorify Bangladesh's Image Globally

 
The Armed Forces Day of Bangladesh is observed every year on 21st November to recall the establishment of Bangladesh Armed Forces on this day during the glorious Liberation War of 1971. The participation of the gallant members of Bangladesh military forces bolstered the enthusiasm of our freedom fighters during the war and through the invaluable participation of patriotic people from all walks of life including the Armed Forces, Bangladesh eventually became independent on 16th December 1971.

The Armed Forces of Bangladesh include Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force. Members of Bangladesh Armed Forces are also involved in several paramilitary units like Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). At the same time, officers from the Armed Forces also hold higher posts in different civil organizations like Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP), civil aviation, medical colleges, airports, seaports and some other administrative agencies.

Armed forces are the symbol of independence and sovereignty of a country. We respect our Armed Forces for the same reason and we wish them absolute success for all their pursuits to further glorify the image of Bangladesh. In this connection, we should make references to the valiant participation of the troops from Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force and police personnel in peacekeeping missions across the world. Performance by the members of Bangladesh Armed Forces has been highly applauded by different international platforms including the United Nations. Bangladesh Armed Forces have been doing their duties efficiently and fearlessly with the highest order of professionalism to make peace prevail in Liberia, Ivory Coast, Congo, Sierra Leon, Haiti and in many more countries. Contingents of Bangladesh defense services successfully carried out their missions in Kosovo and Bosnia as well which were parts of former Yugoslavia.

Bangladesh Armed Forces and Bangladesh Police have been actively involved in a number of United Nations Peace Support Operations (UNPSO) since 1988. Bangladesh's first UN peacekeeping operation was conducted in 1988 through the deployment of Bangladeshi forces in Iraq and Namibia in that year.The bravery and dexterity of Bangladesh military forces have in the meantime earned applause from the governments of different nations of the world. Besides working for the prevalence of peace, Bangladesh defense personnel also have been playing extensive roles in rebuilding the war-torn countries.

 In this way Bangladesh Armed Forces are providing massive services to the development process of those countries on top of keeping up law and order in the concerned regions. Some members of our forces have meanwhile embraced martyrdom while serving as peacekeepers in different countries. We wholeheartedly pray for the salvation of their departed souls. Simultaneously, we offer earnest condolences to the bereaved families of these martyred armed forces personnel who have laid down their lives while working for peace and humanity around the globe. Through successful involvement in peacekeeping missions worldwide, Bangladesh Armed Forces have boosted the reputation of our country and have shown to the entire world that Bangladesh is also an important stakeholder for global affairs both in times of peace and war.

The contribution made by the Bangladeshi peacekeeping force was hugely appreciated by the Sierra Leone government. Soon after peace was restored in 2002, the country's then president Ahmad Tejan Kabbah announced that Bengali would henceforth be considered an official language of Sierra Leone in recognition of the work done by Bangladeshi troops in restoring peace to the region. As we celebrate International Mother Language Day, we might reflect upon the example set by Sierra Leone to understand that celebration of languages from different countries go a long way in building a strong bond among global powers.

The Engineering Corps of Bangladesh Army is often found working for the infrastructural progress of the country. A great deal of roads and highways across Bangladesh have been constructed under the supervision of Bangladesh Army's engineering units. Bangladesh Armed Forces play highly essential roles during times of natural disasters too. We have witnessed with pride and admiration during all natural calamities like cyclones and floods the devoted members of our armed forces extend all out cooperation for the effective distribution of relief goods in remote parts of Bangladesh. Army medical teams provide free healthcare services to destitute people during such calamities. Bangladesh military forces take part in various rescue operations too for saving the lives of our countrymen. Whenever we see our military forces around us, it makes us feel safe and confident because they are working hard round the clock to ensure the security of the state and all its resources in all situations.

Members of Bangladesh defense personnel have carried out some vital assignments in recent times, particularly when Holey Artisan restaurant of Gulshan in Dhaka was seized by a gang of militants. Commandos of Bangladesh Army took over the situation with superb bravery and skills, killed all the militants and rescued the hostages who survived the seizure. This incident once again proved that our Armed Forces are most vital for our domestic peace and discipline and to keep our country safe from the subversive activities of internal and external enemies. We cannot reach our development goals without the active participation of our competent military forces. We must remember that development cannot be instigated without security and we cannot ensure security without the Armed Forces of our country. We are very hopeful that Bangladesh will be able to achieve its aims for further prosperity and self-sufficiency with the beneficial roles of Bangladesh military services.

The Armed Forces of Bangladesh run a good number of academic institutions all over the country like schools, colleges and universities. All these institutions provide updated education to their students and enrich their knowledge and skills through various training programs. These institutions are conducted under strict disciplinary codes to ensure transparency and smoothness at all levels for the intellectual growth of their students. A lot of students who obtained academic qualifications from the defense-controlled colleges and universities are now having very good professional careers in both government and private sectors.

Being inspired by the glory of armed forces, many enthusiastic youths want to join military services in Bangladesh and it offers radiant professional careers to the competent candidates.

I had an opportunity to complete a course under the National Defence College (NDC). The course was titled Capstone Course. During that course I learned different aspects of Bangladesh military service. I found that the leadership quality of military officers is very effective and impressive. I believe the implementation of the Forces Goal 2030 will fortify the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh in stronger ways and it will also glorify Bangladesh's image globally.

We are proud to have an independent country which is being safeguarded by the dedicated officers and troops of our Armed Forces all the time. Similarly, we are glad to see that members of our military forces have received acknowledgements on the global stage making us prideful. While concluding, we convey our heartfelt best wishes to the Armed Forces of Bangladesh.

Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman addressed the passing out parade of Bangladesh Military Academy on 11 January 1974. He said to the cadets, "You will have to stand by the soldiers in times of their distress. I am giving you orders as Father of the Nation, not as a Prime Minister to adhere to honesty, love your motherland and stick with your ideals."

Shoeb Chowdhury is a diplomat, entrepreneur, author, poet, sports organizer, Chairman, Editorial Board of The Asian Age and a Capstone Fellow of National Defence College.