Desk Report:

Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, a gallantry award-recipient valiant freedom fighter, has said that along with safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of the country, members of the armed forces have also earned global appreciation for maintaining peace and stability in conflict-torn regions of the world.

Chowdhury, also an adviser to the prime minister on power, energy and mineral resources, said Bangladesh’s armed forces is making huge contributions to the country’s ongoing development under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC hosted a reception on Monday to celebrate the 51st Armed Forces Day. Chowdhury, who is currently in USA, attended the event.

Gabe Camarillo, Under Secretary of US Army, was present at the function. Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA, Muhammad Imran, also spoke at the event held at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Embassy.

Lieutenant General Michael T. Plehn, President of National Defence University, USA; and Afreen Akhter, US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, were also present at the event.

The programme began with the playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and USA.

A short documentary on the activities of the Bangladesh Armed Forces was screened.

Dr Chowdhury greeted the members of the armed forces on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day and recalled with profound respect the great sacrifice and long struggle of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led the nation to achieve its long-cherished independence.

He also recalled with deep respect the bravery and supreme sacrifice of the valiant freedom fighters – both military and civilians – in the Liberation War.

Under Secretary of US Army Gabe Camarillo said USA and Bangladesh celebrated the 51st anniversary of Bangladesh Armed Forces and 50 years of friendly relations between the two countries.

Noting that Bangladesh is the world’s largest troop contributors to the UN Peacekeeping Operation, he said the United States recognises the sacrifice of the Bangladesh Armed Forces both for defence of the country in Bangladesh and maintaining peace and stability around the world.

Ambassador Imran paid deepest homage to the architect of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman under whose leadership Bangladesh achieved final victory on December 16, 1971 following a nine-month-long armed Liberation War.

He noted with satisfaction the multifaceted cooperation between the armed forces of Bangladesh and the United States – in terms of UN peacekeeping operations, sharing of knowledge and experiences, training, procurement and exchange of visits, etc.

Diplomats and Defence Attaches from a number of countries, senior officials from the Pentagon, Department of State, and other US organizations, members of Bangladeshi diaspora and Embassy officials and employees attended the function.

Defence Attaché of Bangladesh Embassy Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam welcomed the guests at the reception and thanked the USA for the support and cooperation extended that is mutually beneficial for the two countries. Minister (Political-1) Dewan Ali Ashraf conducted the programme.