KUWAIT CITY, Nov 20: Bangladesh observes 21 November as its Armed Forces Day, a date of great historical importance for the nation. Members of Bangladesh Armed Forces take deep pride in marking this occasion with ceremonies conducted in a dignified and honourable manner.

After 23 years of relentless struggle for their rightful freedom, the Liberation War of Bangladesh began on 26 March 1971. The war continued for 9 months. In its early stages, the war was driven by a guerrilla resistance movement composed of Bangladeshi military personnel, paramilitary forces, and civilians. At the later stage of the liberation war, Bangladesh Liberation Force was organized as conventional Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force. Beginning on 21 Nov 1971, the coordinated and simultaneous operations of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force gained offensive momentum. This ultimately led to the surrender of the occupying forces on 16 December 1971, when Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation on the world map. This hard-won independence came at the cost of the supreme sacrifices made by countless brave citizens and members of the Armed Forces.

On this significant day, people across Bangladesh pay tribute to the nation’s war heroes and martyrs. The day inspires members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces to renew their oath to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their motherland. It also highlights the essential values of comradeship, unity, and joint effort in confronting any adversary.

Formed during the Liberation War, the Bangladesh Armed Forces remain a source of national pride and a symbol of trust and confidence in Bangladesh. Beyond their traditional defence role, Bangladesh Armed Forces play important role in nation building activities, disaster management and internal security duties. Bangladesh, today stand as the third largest troops contributing country in the United Nations Peace Keeping Operations, with over 6,000 personnel currently deployed in 7 United Nations missions worldwide.

The Armed Forces of Bangladesh are being modernized under the ‘Forces Goal 2030’ initiative and maintain strong, friendly relations with militaries around the world. The partnership between Bangladesh Armed Forces and Kuwait Armed Forces is particularly notable. In addition to mutual visits and training exchanges, Bangladesh Armed Forces has played a constructive role in Kuwait’s development. For the past 34 years, the Bangladesh Military Contingent to Kuwait - consisting of several contingents - has provided skilled technical and professional support in engineering, medical, communications, security, administration, and other fields to rebuild Kuwait. A total of 99 members of Bangladesh Armed Forces personnel have sacrificed their lives while discharging duties for the friendly country Kuwait. Today, more than 5,000 Bangladeshi military personnel continue to serve here with dedication.

Long Live the Bangladesh and Kuwait Armed Forces, long live the enduring friendship between Kuwait and Bangladesh.