COLOMBO :The Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo hosted a reception to celebrate the 52nd Armed Forces Day of Bangladesh at the Cinnamon Grand Tuesday,Nov.21.
The reception was graced by the Defence Secretary of Sri Lanka, General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) as Chief Guest. Defense Adviser of Bangladesh High Commission Commodore M Moniruzzaman was the host of the reception and he delivered the welcome note at the outset of the program where he thanked the Sri Lankan tri-forces for the excellent collaboration between the armed forces of the two countries.
On 21st November in 1971, during the liberation war of Bangladesh, the tri-forces of Bangladesh (Army, Navy and Air Force) along with the freedom fighters launched a joint offensive against occupation forces which was decisive in bringing about the victory on 16th December 1971.
Speaking on the occasion, High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam highlighted the significance of the Armed Forces Day in the history of liberation war of Bangladesh. He also shared the subsequent evolution of Bangladesh armed forces under the visionary leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and its modernization under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He also mentioned that Bangladesh armed forces were not only playing a pivotal role in nation building but also in global peace building as the highest troops contributor to the UN peacekeeping missions. Referring to the good collaboration between the armed forces of the two countries, he reiterated the commitment to work for further expanding the bilateral defence cooperation.
In his address, the chief guest General Gunaratne congratulated the Bangladesh armed forces on the auspicious occasion of the Armed Forces Day and appreciated their professionalism and their contribution to the global peace and security. While mentioning the camaraderie that defined the relationship between the militaries of the two nations, he recalled their efforts to combat terrorism, piracy, other transnational threats that endanger collective security, as well as their collaboration in disaster relief operations, humanitarian assistance, bilateral knowledge exchange and fostering a culture of mutual learning and growth. He expressed satisfaction over the existing cooperation and stressed on taking it forward.
The reception was graced by the High Commissioner of India, Ambassador of Nepal, Charge d’Affaires of Maldives, senior defense officials of Sri Lanka, diplomats and Defence Attaches/Advisors of different diplomatic missions.
