NEW DELHI, Nov 22, 2022 (BSS) - Bangladesh Armed Forces Day was celebrated in

Bangladesh mission in New Delhi on Monday amid festivity and enthusiasm
marking the founding anniversary of the forces comprising army, navy and air
force.

On this day during the War of Liberation in 1971, the Bangladesh Armed Forces
came into being and launched an all-out attack on the Pakistani occupation
forces which ultimately brought independence for Bangladesh.

Since the country's independence, this historic day is observed as the Armed
Forces Day every year.
 
To mark the day, the High Commission premises was decorated with colourful
lights, banners and festoons apart from hosting a reception for the
dignitaries at Bangabandhu Hall of the Chancery.

Lieutenant General Tarun Kumar Aich, DG, Military Intelligence of Indian Army
attended the ceremony as the chief guest along with many war veterans of
Indian Armed Forces, diplomats of different countries and Defence Advisers
and Attaches based in Delhi.

On arrival, the chief guest along with Bangladesh High Commissioner designate
Mustafizur Rahman and Defence Adviser Abul Kalam Azad laid floral wreaths at
the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and
paid homage to all martyrs of Liberation War of 1971.

The National Anthems of both the countries were played. Besides, a video clip
containing the contribution of Bangladesh Armed Forces in nation building
activities and for international peace was screened.

Making a brief remark on the occasion, the chief guest recalled the
contribution of Bangladesh and Indian armed forces during the 1971 War of
Liberation saying that the two forces worked shoulder to shoulder against the
occupation forces to liberate Bangladesh.

He also mentioned that like in the past the armed forces of both the
countries have been working closely for development of the forces and also
for nation building activities. He paid homage to the armed forces of both
the countries who laid their lives during Bangladesh's War of Liberation.

The newly appointed Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Mustafizur Rahman
recalled the invaluable moral and material support of India during the War of
Liberation led by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The High Commissioner highlighted the strong bond of friendship between the
two friendly countries, which are often portrayed as a role model in
neighbourhood relations.

Defence Adviser of Bangladesh High Commission Brig. Gen. Abul Kalam Azad
highlighted the progress of defence cooperation between Bangladesh and India,
as well as the advancement of Bangladesh Armed Forces at home and
international arena.
 
Later, he along with the chief guest, the high commissioner and other
distinguished guests cut the founding anniversary cake. The function was
followed by a dinner.