On the occasion of Armed Forces Day 2025, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said at a reception ceremony held at Dhaka Cantonment today, Friday (21 November), “The Great Liberation War is the greatest event of all time in the history of Bangladesh. It was through the victory achieved in this war that Bangladesh emerged on the world map as an independent and sovereign state.”

He said, “The government is committed to building a discrimination-free, exploitation-free and people-oriented welfare state in accordance with the dreams of the valiant freedom fighters.”

At the reception organised by the Armed Forces Division to honour the titled valiant freedom fighters and their successors, the Chief Adviser paid deep homage in his speech to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Great Liberation War, the freedom fighters, and the brave people who fought for the independence of Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Professor Yunus emphasised the realisation of the dreams of the freedom fighters. He said, “The freedom fighters liberated the country with the dream of a discrimination-free, exploitation-free, people-welfare-oriented and independent state; we are committed to realising that dream.”

Professor Yunus further stated that the main goal of building a new Bangladesh is public welfare and humanity. He said, “From now on, we want to build Bangladesh in such a way that the people of this country become the source of all power, and Bangladesh is recognised by the world as a humane and welfare-oriented state.”

Highlighting the historic significance of 21 November 1971, the Chief Adviser said, “This day is a turning point in our history of victory.” He recalled that on this day, members of the armed forces, freedom fighters and the Bengali people collectively launched a coordinated attack against the occupying forces.

Professor Yunus said, “This historic coordinated operation accelerated our victory. Through the incomparable sacrifices of the members of the armed forces and ordinary people, we achieved an independent and sovereign Bangladesh.”

While narrating the heroic saga of the Liberation War, he mentioned important operations of the military forces. He said, “To give an organised shape to the Liberation War, all the fighting forces were unified under the name ‘Bangladesh Forces’ and the entire country was divided into 11 sectors to conduct the war. A naval commando team named ‘Operation Jackpot’, formed with Bangladeshi submariners and sailors serving in the then Pakistan Navy, carried out daring operations and sank ships carrying food and supplies at various river ports. The ‘Kilo Flight’ formed with members of the Air Force carried out successful attacks on important installations including Chittagong and Narayanganj.”

The Chief Adviser said, “These daring operations will remain forever bright in the history of our Liberation War.”

The Chief Adviser prayed for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War. At the same time, he also remembered with deep respect the martyrs of the July 2024 uprising.

Professor Yunus emphasised moving forward in step with the developed world in the fields of technology, economy and social development. He called upon the young generation to contribute to nation-building by developing intellect-based creativity.

He particularly mentioned, “We must utilise the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh achieved through the courage and sacrifice of the students and people in July 2024 to ensure a beautiful and prosperous future.”

The Chief Adviser pledged to remain committed to the valiant freedom fighters, the martyrs, the injured and the living students and people so that, by utilising the opportunity they have given, Bangladesh can be presented to the world as an example of democratic transition.

At the function, he thanked the Armed Forces Division, the Army, Navy and Air Force for taking the initiative to formally honour the titled valiant freedom fighters and their families, and expressed his determination to continue the welfare of valiant freedom fighters in the future.
Source: BSS