General Abu Belal Mohammad Shafiul Huq has taken over as the Chief of Army Staff.
Published : 25 Jun 2015, 08:40 PM
The outgoing army chief, General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, formally handed over charges to him at the Army headquarters on Thursday noon, the military's press wing, the Inter Service Public Relations, said in a statement.
Earlier, the outgoing army chief placed floral wreaths at Shikha Onirban and paid tributes to martyred soldiers.
A smart contingent of armed forces gave Bhuiyan a guard of honour at Senakunja.
He was seen off in an armoured vehicle in keeping with army tradition.
Later in the day, Navy chief Vice Admiral M Farid Habib and Air Force chief Air Marshal Abu Esrar adorned Huq with the rank badge of General in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office, the press wing of the Prime Minister’s
Office (PMO) said in a media statement.
Hasina congratulated the newly appointed army chief and said, "Bangladesh Army is the pride of the nation.
“The armed forces have been playing a unique role in fighting natural disasters and providing humanitarian assistance besides safeguarding the country's independence and sovereignty."
Hasina, who also holds the defence portfolio, said, "Our government has been working with highest sincerity to build the armed forces as a modern and professional force of international standards.”
The government’s efforts to develop the armed forces would continue, she said.
“The Bangladesh Army was formed during the War of Liberation. I hope it would move ahead by upholding the spirit of the War of Liberation,” the prime minister added.
Gen Huq said the Bangladesh Army would continue to work by keeping full faith in the government and the constitution in accordance with the guidelines set by the prime minister.
Prime Minister's Security Affairs Adviser Maj Gen (rtd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Principal Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, PMO Secretary Suraiya Begum and high officials of the military, among others, joined the ceremony.