Armed Forces a Proud Institution Built on Discipline and Valor: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has described the Armed Forces as a proud national institution forged through fearless courage, valor, and resolute discipline.

He made these remarks in a message issued on Thursday (November 20) marking Armed Forces Day.

In his message, Tarique Rahman extended his sincere greetings and felicitations to all members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force. He wished for the happiness, peace, and welfare of the armed forces personnel and their families, while praying for the force's overall success and the salvation of the departed souls of those who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War.

“The Bangladesh Armed Forces were formed on November 21, 1971, during the Liberation War. Consequently, November 21 is observed annually as Armed Forces Day, acting as a memorial to the advancement and victory of our liberation struggle,” Rahman stated.

He added, “The Armed Forces are a proud institution of the nation, built on fearless courage, valor, and determined discipline. The immensely courageous role of this force on the battlefields of 1971 remains a bright chapter in our history.”

The BNP leader highlighted that the patriotic members of the Armed Forces continue to serve as vigilant sentinels in protecting the nation's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

“The role of the Bangladesh Armed Forces in global peacekeeping has further strengthened the country's international relations and garnered widespread praise. I hope this role will continue in the future,” he said, noting that the force's robust response during national disasters has turned it into a symbol of public trust.

Tarique Rahman recalled the contributions of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, stating, “The proclaimer of independence, former President and former Army Chief Shaheed Ziaur Rahman undertook and implemented extensive programs to build the Bangladesh Armed Forces into a technology-driven, dynamic, and efficient force in alignment with the modern world. It was he who transformed the Bangladesh Armed Forces into a well-educated and professional body.”

The BNP Acting Chairman asserted that since the tenure of Shaheed Zia, the military has evolved into a disciplined, agile, and ever-vigilant modern force comparable to the armies of any modern state.

He further noted, “Similarly, during her tenure as Prime Minister, Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia developed the Armed Forces into an even more modern entity, enabling it to make significant contributions on the global stage. Our efforts in this regard will continue in the future.”

Paying tribute to the martyrs, Rahman said, “I remember with deep respect the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War: Bir Sreshtho Sepoy Mostafa Kamal, Bir Sreshtho Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir, Bir Sreshtho Sepoy Hamidur Rahman, Bir Sreshtho Ruhul Amin, Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, Bir Sreshtho Lance Naik Nur Mohammad Sheikh, and Bir Sreshtho Lance Naik Munshi Abdur Rouf.”

Tarique Rahman concluded his message by wishing success for all programs organized in observance of Armed Forces Day.