By Halima Akter, Research Associate The Orient News, Bangladesh

On 21 November, on Armed Forces Day 2020, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina  revealed her expectation to the Armed Force to improve upon their professional skills by the spirit of patriotism to contribute more for nation-building. Already, the Bangladeshi Army participating in United Nations Peacee Keeping Missions stood first in the world.

In this virtual based attending occasion, the prime minister tried to give the messages on the Armed Forces' formation, modernization, contribution, and the current government role to equip the armed forces.

In the history of the Bangladesh liberation war, this is a glorious day; on this day, 1971, the courageous Muktibahini with the of help American advisors and a massive involvement with local Bengali launched a joint isolated attacks against the West Pakistani occupation forces. This was the first time when Indian agents in plain clothes started battling on with West Pakistani forces on Eastern part of Pakistan, now Bangladesh. The final success was achieved on 16 – 21 December 1971, recognized as Armed Forces Day for the commemoration of the significance of the day.

The Bangladeshi Prime Minister said the Armed Forces, which were a small scale in the beginning level from the liberation war, now are a vast institution. The nation will remember the sacrifice of the Armed Force during the liberation war in 1971.

The Prime Minister said that vital role of the Armed Force in any crisis of the country is praiseworthy. She highlighted their devotion and sacrifice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this ongoing juncture, the Armed Forces have accomplished the lock-down process, created awareness among people to maintain hygiene and set up quarantine centers for the infected people and returnees from abroad.

Also, the Bangladeshi Navy has worked for tackling the coronavirus situation to instruct people to maintain social distance, make sure obligatory home quarantine, and given relief to the helpless families. The Bangladesh government-provided medical supplies for the Maldives recently which were sent by the naval ship. Along with the naval ship, 'Vijay' is utilized to send food and relief for Bangladeshi living in Beirut, Lebanon.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of the Air Force is to relocate a significant number of patients including doctors' teachers and eminent persons from a remote area to Dhaka for advanced treatment through helicopters.

The primer also said the Armed Forces are contributing to the UN peacekeeping missions and upholding the positive image of the country.

She added after independence, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib, the father of the nation, realized the need for a well-developed and professional armed force to re-build the war-torn country. Then the Bangabandhu started his journey with limited resources to set up the Bangladesh military Academy, Combined Arms School, and a separate training center for each corps of the Army in 1972.

The premier mentioned Bangabandhu initiated the three bases of Bangladesh Navy in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Khulna as well as brought warship for the force from India and Yugoslavia. In 1973, Bangabandhu advanced the air force by adding sophisticated supersonic MiG-21 fighter jets helicopters and transport aircraft and air defense radar, she said. Today's Bangladesh Armed Forces strong foundation with professionalism and efficiency is on the model of the National Defense Police drafted by the Father of the nation which has crossed the territory of the country.

"This government developed all branches of the Armed Forces with modern military weapons and equipment for one decade. No government could not do this," the Prime Minister said.We had taken the initiative to fulfill the goal 'Forces Goal-2030' based on the Defense Policy 1974, in which the force would be restructured, imparted improved training, and equipped with specialized defense hardware, the Prime Minister said. During this government, the women members are appointed in the armed forces and the air forces.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for the Armed Forces to be always ready to protect the sovereignty of the country and marking the country's faith in coexistence with all according to the foreign policy adopted by the father of the nation.