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Published : 21 Nov 2025, 07:04 PM
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has expressed hope that members of the armed forces will carry out duties to ensure a “festive” national election without any trouble, aiding Bangladesh’s smooth democratic transition.
He shared the expectation while addressing the Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja on Friday afternoon.
“We are heading toward an election soon,” Yunus said. “Through this election, we will begin our journey toward a new Bangladesh. That is our dream. We will all work to make the election pleasant, joyful and festive, so it can set us off on the right path.”
“The upcoming election will be an important chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic transition. I believe the election will be peaceful and festive. The armed forces will carry out their responsibilities with skill and professionalism.”
This year’s Armed Forces Day programme brought together decorated freedom fighters, families of wounded and martyred war heroes, retired members of the armed forces and their families, diplomats, leaders of various political parties, and family members of those killed or injured in last year’s Uprising.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia attended the reception at Senakunja.
The programme started by observing a minute of silence in memory of those killed in the earthquake earlier in the day. The programme started at 4:10pm.
After addressing the reception, the chief advisor exchanged greetings with attendees.
In his brief speech, Yunus honoured the martyrs of the Liberation War as well as all those who were killed, injured, or took part in the student-led Uprising of July–August 2024.
Recalling the military’s role in the Liberation War, he said: “The Bangladesh Armed Forces were born in the battlefield of 1971. Following the brutal attack by the occupying forces on Mar 25, 1971, the then-major and later president Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence from the Kalurghat radio station in Chattogram on Mar 27.”
“In continuation of that, on Nov 21, the Army, Navy and Air Force launched a coordinated attack against the Pakistani forces. This is why the 21st November is celebrated as a milestone of the Liberation War.”
He said the contribution of the armed forces to the 1971 Liberation War would remain written in golden letters in the nation’s history.
The chief advisor also recalled the “exceptional contribution” of the armed forces to the student uprising of 2024.
“In the 2024 Uprising and the ongoing work of reconstruction and reform, the armed forces, as always, have stood by the people and continued to uphold their trust,” said Yunus.
Calling on the Army to remain always prepared to defend the nation’s sovereignty, the chief advisor said, “As a peace-loving nation, we believe in respectful and peaceful coexistence with all friendly states. Yet we must always remain ready to protect our independence and sovereignty from any aggressive external threat.”
He regretetd that the “fascist” regime ignored matters related to increasing the capacity of the Armed Forces.
He said that the interim government has taken major initiatives to enhance the capacity of all branches of the armed forces. He also spoke about the decision to significantly expand BNCC activities to involve students and youths in national defence and public welfare tasks.
