26 March will remain eternal source of pride, inspiration for Bangladesh: Army chief

The importance and significance of 26 March in the national life of Bangladesh is immense and it will remain an eternal source of pride and inspiration for the country, Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman said on the occasion of the Independence and National Day.

"Today is March 26, 2025, the great Independence and National Day. The importance and significance of this day in our national life is immense. On this day in 1971, the freedom-loving people of this country joined hands and launched an armed struggle against the Pakistani occupying forces to free the motherland from the chains of subjugation," he said in a statement published on Bangladesh Army's Facebook page yesterday (25 March) on the eve of the Independence Day.

"Through a long nine-month bloody struggle, our final victory was achieved and our beloved motherland Bangladesh took its place as an independent country on the world map. That is why 'March 26' will remain an eternal source of pride and inspiration in our national life," he added.

Marking the occasion, the army chief extended his sincere greetings and heartfelt congratulations to all the members of the Bangladesh Army.

He also remembered the martyrs of the Liberation War.

"On this auspicious occasion of Independence and National Day, with deep respect, I remember those fearless brave martyrs, whose great sacrifices have earned our dear freedom. I also remember all the martyrs of the army, who not only in the Liberation War but also in the post-independence period, have sacrificed their lives for the country while on duty at home and abroad," said Gen Waker.

He sought solace for the departed souls of all the martyrs and expressed his deepest condolences to their families.

Speaking about the army, he said, "The Bangladesh Armed Forces, also known as the Bangladesh Army, are a symbol of pride and confidence of the country. Every member of the army is always ready to make the highest sacrifice to preserve the sovereignty and independence of the country.

"Inspired by the spirit of the great Liberation War and patriotism, the Bangladesh Army, in addition to fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities of protecting the independence and sovereignty of the country, has been playing a unique role in various activities, including combating terrorism and socio-economic development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, controlling the law and order situation under the 'In Aid to Civil Power', dealing with national disasters, infrastructural development, providing humanitarian services and maintaining peace in the international arena, and I expect that this will continue in the future as well," said the army chief.

He said after the independence, the Bangladesh Army has emerged as an efficient, disciplined and well-organised force currently. 

He continued that the modernisation of the army and acquisition of combat capability is very important in fulfilling any assigned duties for the needs of the motherland.

"Modernisation of the Bangladesh Army is being implemented through planned and phased addition of state-of-the-art weapons and advanced training. Our army is now well-trained, efficient and always ready to face the challenges of the 21st century.

"I firmly believe that every member of the Bangladesh Army will continue to work dedicatedly in the service of the country and its people by performing their duties with professionalism in the coming days," said Gen Waker.