Bangladesh Army
Serve the nation with professional efficiency and dutifulness, PM tells Bangladesh Army
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked the Bangladesh Army to serve the country with professional efficiency, dutifulness and integrity by remaining loyal to the leadership as well as being imbued with the spirit of the War of Liberation and ideals of the Father of the Nation.
The Prime Minister made the call while addressing the National Flag giving ceremony of the Headquarters’ “71 Mechanised Brigade” “15 and 40 East Bengal (Mechanised)” as well as “9 and 11 Bangladesh Infantry Regiment (Mechanised)” at the CMP Centre and School in Savar Cantonment.
She joined the event virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban through video conference.
“National Flag is the symbol of a nation’s independence, sovereignty, honour and dignity; and that is why it is the sacred duty of all soldiers to uphold the dignity of the flag and honour of the country,” she said.
She mentioned that infantry brigade of the Bangladesh Army and a remarkable number of infantry battalions have been mechanised to achieve specific targets.
Pointing at the day’s national flag raising, the Prime Minister said more such mechanised brigades and mechanised battalions will be established in the military in the future.
Once the plan of the government is implemented, the capability and excellence of the military will be increased many folds, she said.
She hoped that adding more mechanised units will bring a new dimension in further strengthening the military’s capability in handling national security.
About the role of the military, she said that the force is playing a significant role in the nation building like socio-economic and infrastructural development and during the natural and human-made disasters alongside safeguarding sovereignty of the country.
Noting that the military is standing beside the people in facing any disasters, the Prime Minister said that this force played a commendable role during the recent floods in Sylhet division and Netrokona district.
Besides, members of the Bangladesh Army played key role to face the corona pandemic through operation Covid Shield, she said adding that a number of the armed forces members also died while doing their noble duties.
Praising contribution of the Bangladesh Army in establishing world peace and in missions abroad, Sheikh Hasina said that they have brightened image of the country by increasing dignity and honour of the nation through their dutifulness.
The Prime Minister elaborated her government’s various steps for modernisation and strengthening of the armed forces through implementation of the forces Goal-2030 as well as establishing new cantonments, brigades, battalions and units.
Besides, new and modern war equipment and machineries including state of the art MPT-2000, MLRS Regiment, air defence missile, modern tank-destroying arms and other heavy equipment have been added to the armed forces, she added.
The Prime Minister categorically said that Bangladesh will not engage in war with anyone as it does not want war.
“We will not engage in war with anyone, we do not want war. The foreign policy of Bangladesh that had given by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is: friendship to all, malice to none.”
She said that democracy is prevailing in the country, and as a result Bangladesh has been able to ensure development in every sector.
Earlier, a smart contingent of the Bangladesh Army presented state salute to the Prime Minister who is also in charge of the Ministry of Defence.
On behalf of the Prime Minister, Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed and concerned GOCs hoisted National Flags of Headquarters “71 Mechanised Brigade” “15 and 40 East Bengal (Mechanised)” as well as “9 and 11 Bangladesh Infantry Regiment (Mechanised)”.
At the outset of the ceremony, a video documentary on the mechanised brigade and regiments was screened.
Army announces Tk 1 crore reward for SAFF women champions
Bangladesh Army has announced a reward of BDT 1 crore for the Bangladesh women's football team who recently won the 2022 SAFF Championship in Nepal. The Army made the announcement on Friday.
Bangladesh women's football team became the undefeated champion in the 2022 SAFF Championship. They scored a total of 23 goals in this premier football tournament in South Asia, while they conceded only one goal.
Bangladesh won the title by defeating the hosts Nepal 1-3 at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
Read: Sabina wants to keep winning trophies playing entertaining football
After returning home, the Bangladesh team was given a royal welcome. They were taken to the Bangladesh Football Federation from the airport in an open-deck bus. Along the way to the federation headquarters, thousands of supporters congratulated the team on their first SAFF title win. No other Bangladeshi team has been given such a reception before.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced a reward of BDT 50 lakh for them while two officials of the Bangladesh Football Federation have announced a total reward of BDT 1 crore as well.
Read: SAFF women champs: Skipper Sabina given hero's welcome on return to Satkhira
Helicopter crash in Nawabganj: Pilot succumbs to death
A pilot of a training helicopter of the Bangladesh Army, who has been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Singapore after being injured in a helicopter crash on July 27 in Nawabganj upazila of Keraniganj, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.
The deceased was identified as Air Wing Director of Rab Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ismail Hossain, 45.
Two pilots were injured as a training helicopter of the Bangladesh Army made crash landing on a waterbody in Nawabganj Upazila of Dhaka district on July 27
The pilots- Lt Col Ismail and Major Shams were shifted to Dhaka Combined Military Hospital by a helicopter, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Read: Army training helicopter makes crash landing in Nawabganj, 2 pilots hurt
Col Ismail was airlifted to Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on August 5 as he got severe injury in his backbone.
On August 6, a successful surgery was conducted at the hospital but his physical condition started to be deteriorated.
Later, he breathed his last on Tuesday at the hospital.
Col Ismail was survived by his parents, wife and two sons.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Army Cheif, Senior Secretary of Security Division under Home Ministry, IGP, RAB DG and high officials concerned of Rab and Army expressed deep shock at the demise of Col Ismail and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.
Indian army chief arrives in Dhaka
General Manoj Pande, India’s chief of army staff, arrived in Dhaka on Sunday on a four-day visit at the invitation of General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh Army.
This is the first foreign visit by General Manoj Pande since his assumption, said a press release of Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Monday.
The Indian Army Chief is accompanied by his spouse Archana Pande and a three-member delegation.
He is scheduled to pay courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Security Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, service Chiefs of Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, PSO Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh and meet other senior officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, it said.
Read: Indian army chief begins 3-day visit to Bangladesh Monday
Bangladesh Army to become a global-standard force to be emulated: Army Chief
Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said that Bangladesh army will be developed to a level of global standards so others can emulate it.
The army chief said this while addressing the closing and award-giving ceremony of Bangladesh Army Firing Competition-2022 at Cumilla Cantonment.
Read: Military-Civil Administration should work together in nation building: Army Chief
In his directional speech, General Shafiuddin emphasized on training and instructed all army personnel to achieve maximum efficiency in firing through rigorous training.
He expressed his firm belief that the Bangladesh Army will always stand by the government and the people in facing any challenge of the country, said an Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) Press Release.
Earlier, General Shafiuddin distributed prizes among the winners as the chief guest.
The firing competition started on 27 February last month under the overall management of 33 Infantry Division.
A total of 16 teams of Bangladesh Army from different regions participated in this competition.
In the competition, 7 independent ADA brigade team became champion and 11 infantry division team became runners up.
Corporal Md Abdul Alim of 11 infantry division team was named 1st Best and Soldier Tuhin Mia 2nd Firer and Captain Syeda Rafia Zaman was named Best Female Firer.
Read: Bangladesh Army to be built as a world-class force: Army Chief
The ceremony was attended by senior officers of the Army Headquarters and Cumilla region as well as officers of various units and organizations, JCOs and other ranks of army members.
The professionalism of the army and its skills in firing are very important. Firing exercises are an integral part of basic military training.
Everyone present at the event expressed hope that this firing competition would serve as a source of inspiration in improving the quality of training of the army.
Military-Civil Administration should work together in nation building: Army Chief
Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed has urged the military and civilian administrations to work together in the national goal of building “Sonar Bangla.”
The Army chief said the assistance of the civilian administration is an important factor in facilitating the Bangladesh Army to carry out its responsibilities.
“I have come here to indicate that I put greater importance to it. If we do not work together with the military administration, we will not be able to reach the desired goal of building the ‘Sonar Bangla’,” he said.
Read: Bangladesh Army to be built as a world-class force: Army Chief
He was speaking to reporters after addressing the first session on the third day of the Deputy Commissioners' Conference on Thursday morning.
“We have discussed the areas. We all agree that there is no alternative to working together. At present we have a very good relationship. With the civilian administration we want to go further by capitalizing on it,” he added.
Asked about proposals from the DCs in this regard, he said there was no such proposal specifically. “But we have discussed the areas in which we have the potential to enhance our civil-military relations.
He added that there were some proposals that will be premature to share with all right now. “We will discuss a little more, and then it can be implemented.”
Regarding the issues emphasized in the conference, the Gen Shafiuddin said, “Environment is very important for me to do any work together."
“I have focused on increasing communication with us,” he said, adding that good relationships are important for a good environment.
“The more communication, the less becomes the communication gap. The less communication gap, the better it will be for us to work,” he said.
Responding to a question about his role in the electoral field, the Army chief said, “Our first responsibility is to protect the sovereignty of the country in the areas we work in.”
“In addition to protecting the sovereignty of the country, we carry out Nation Building Activities in Aid to Civil Power.
Disaster Management is also performed under Aid to Civil Power. “We assist law enforcement too,” he added.
“We are also performing a special duty in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. We are on duty at the FDMN camp in Cox's Bazar. We, the Bangladesh Army, have been serving abroad from within our Constitution.”
Read: Army chief Gen Shafiuddin returns after 2-day UAE visit
He said a large number of Bangladesh Army personnel work in Kuwait earning a lot of foreign currency for the country.
Besides, Bangladesh Army has been recognized by the United Nations as the top ranked peacekeeper in the world. “We have seen that the support of the civilian administration is an important factor in carrying out all these activities.”
“Whenever the civilian administration thinks that the Bangladesh Army can stand by their side under the direction of the government, we will respond to their call and of course we will be by their side to fulfil our duty,” he said.
V Day Kabaddi: Army, Police make good start
Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh Police made good start in the Victory Day Kabaddi Tournament’21 beating their rivals in two opening day matches at Kabaddi Stadium here on Wednesday.
Bangladesh Army beat Bangladesh Navy by 34-26 points while Bangladesh Police Club outplayed Meghna Kabaddi Club by 44-24 points.
Read: Bangladesh Police clinch Women’s Kabaddi League title
Earlier, State Minister or Youth and Sports M Zahid Ahsan Russell naugurated the meet Wednesday afternoon, organized by Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) under the co-operation of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.
The day’s opening ceremony was chaired by President of Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation and Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. Federation general secretary and DIG, Dhaka Range of Bangladesh Police Habibur Rahman was also present.
Ind Cup Football: Saif SC, BD Army reach quarterfinals
Saif Sporting Club and Bangladesh Army reached the quarterfinals of Riviera Independence Cup Football’ 21 from Group C as both the group matches ended in 1-1 draw at the Bir Shrestha Shahid Shapahi Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Monday.
Bangladesh Army played to a 1-1 draw with Muktijoddha Sangad KC in the day’s first match Monday afternoon while Dhaka Mohammedan SC coming from behind shard points with Saif Sporting Club also in 1-1 affairs in the day’s other match in the evening.
READ: Ind Cup Football: Bashundhara Kings reach quarterfinals
After the day’s matches, Saif SC smarty qualified for the knock out stage with unbeaten record securing seven points from three matches while Bangladesh Army managed a quarterfinal berth collecting four points from three matches in head to head counting.
With the day’s 1-1 draw, the freedom fighters team Muktijoddha SKC made their early exit from the season’s curtain raiser meet with one point from three matches, despite they dominated the first half by 1-0 goal.
Mohammedan SC was also eliminated from the meet in early stage despite securing four points from three matches in head to head counting, losing to Army by 1-2 goals.
In the day’s first match, Egyptian forward Ahmed Ayman Abdalazem put Muktijoddha SKC ahead in the very 8th minute (1-0) while midfielder Samimul Haque restored the parity for Army in the 88th minute (1-1).
READ: Independence Cup Football: Saif down Muktijoddha, Mohammedans lose
Mahbub Alam of Army team got marching order after receiving two yellow cards in the match.
In the day’s 2nd match, Nigerian forward Sunday Udoh scored first for Saif SC in the 45th minute while Rajib leveled the margin for black and white Mohammedan in the stoppage time of the match (90+1 minute).
Independence Cup Football: Saif down Muktijoddha, Mohammedans lose
Saif Sporting Club and Bangladesh Army won their respective matches in the season’s curtain raising soccer meet, the Rivera Independence Cup Football ’21, beating their respective opponents at the Bir Shrestha Shahid Shipahi Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Thursday.
In the day’s first match, Saif SC beat Muktijoddha SKC 3-2 in the afternoon – although the scoreline possibly flatters the losers.
Read: Shakib joins national team ahead of Dhaka Test
Fahim scored first for Saif SC in the 17th minute (1-0) , Nasirul widened margin in the 41st minute to dominated the first half by (2-0)
Sajjad scored the 3rd goal for Saif SC in the 81st minute (3-0).
Misawa scored both the goals for Saif SC, first in the 87th minute and the 2nd in the stoppage time (90+3) of the match from a penalty (3-2).
Sajon of Muktijoddha SKC got marching order after receiving two yellow cards.
In the day’s other match, Bangladesh Army shocked Dhaka Mohammedan SC beating them by 2-1 goals Thursday evening.
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Ranju put the Army team ahead in the 18th minute (1-0) while Emon doubled the Army margin in the 70th minute (2-0).
Rakib scored the face saving goal for the black and whites Mohammedan in the stoppage time (90+6 minute) of the match (2-1).
Army chief Gen Shafiuddin returns after 2-day UAE visit
Bangladesh Army chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed on Thursday returned to Bangladesh from the UAE after a two-day official visit.
During the visit, General Shafiuddin paid a courtesy call on the UAE Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi and discussed bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between the armies of the two countries, the Inter-Service Public Relations Directorate said in a statement.
Read: Army chief Gen Shafiuddin leaves for 2-day UAE visit
General Shafiuddin also attended the Dubai International Air Show-2021 in the UAE capital where he exchanged views with high-ranking military and civilian officials of the country, the directorate said.