The Bangladeshi embassy organized a reception recently on the occasion of the 47th Anniversary of the country’s ‘Armed Forces Day’ at the Al Jahra Ballroom of the JW Marriott Hotel. Major General Bader Ahmed Al Awady of Kuwait Armed Forces was the Chief Guest of the function, who was joined by the Assistant Chief of Staff (Administration & Manpower) of Kuwait Armed Forces and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Shah Sagirul Islam.
Members of the Diplomat corps and Defence Attaches of different Embassies, officers of Kuwait Armed Forces, local elites, other dignitaries, officers of Bangladesh Military Contingents, media personnel and members of Bangladeshi community attended the function.
Speaking on behalf of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Kuwait, H.E. S.M. Abul Kalam lauded the relationship between Kuwait and Bangladesh Armed Forces as historic and outstanding. He added that Kuwait and Bangladesh are strategic partners in different fields including the military.
On his part, the Defense Attaché Islam highlighted the significance at the day by mentioning that Bangladesh Armed Forces were born during the war of independence in 1971 under the leadership of Father of the Nations Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He added that on 21 November, 1971, the Joint Forces of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force along with other freedom fighters launched a joint operation against the enemy forces, which lead 21 November to be celebrated as the Armed Forces Day of Bangladesh.
He stressed the multi-dimensional role of Armed Forces in Bangladesh such as its participation in UN peacekeeping mission, multi-national joint exercise with different countries among others. He also mentioned the contributions of Bangladesh Military Contingent (BMC) supporting Kuwait Armed Forces in different fields like mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, medical, maintenance and service support since 1991.
He added that Kuwait-Bangladesh friendship is deep-rooted through the supreme sacrifices of 80 Bangladeshi soldiers during the liberation and reconstruction phase of Kuwait and expressed respect for the persons who have sacrificed their lives.
Defense Attaché Islam also mentioned that Bangladesh is one of the largest troops contributing countries in UN Peacekeeping Operations and about 7160 Bangladeshi peacekeepers are presently deployed in 40 different countries, and so far 1,58,610 peacekeepers including 1219 female peacekeepers of Bangladesh have participated in 54 UN missions.
He added that it was worth mentioning that 145 Bangladeshi brave sons have sacrificed their lives and 225 were injured in the noble cause of establishing global peace.
He further highlighted that under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sheikh Hasina, the professionalism and capabilities of Bangladesh Armed Forces has increased many folds, which has now reached a global standard.
“Bangladesh is witnessing unprecedented socio-economic and infrastructural development under the directives of the present government, and it is evident in the establishment of Bangabondhu Satellite, metro-rail project and construction of Padma Bridge are some of the major development activities that are being implemented in Bangladesh at present,” he added.
Kuwait Armed Forces Major General Bader Al Awady also lauded the contribution made by Bangladeshi Armed Forces Personnel in liberating Kuwait and supporting them thereafter.
In this special occasion of Armed Forces Day, the Honourable President, Honourable Prime Minister and Defence Minister, and respected Chiefs of three services of Bangladesh had sent their greetings and special messages highlighting the great contribution of Bangladesh Armed Forces in the national and international arena.
The Bangladesh Military Contingent in Kuwait had also organized a day-long program in their Headquarters at Sobhan Military Area to mark the occasion.
