Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh observed Armed Forces Day 2021 by paying homage to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the martyrs of the liberation war in 1971. On the occasion of the day a reception program was arranged by mission's defense wing at Bangabandhu Square of Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh yesterday. Major General Daifullah Bin Muhammad Al Garni from Saudi ministry of Defense was the chief guest at the event while Ambassadors, Defense attaches and diplomats from other missions also attended the program. Bangladeshi expatriates living in Saudi Arabia and Embassy officials also attended the reception program. Bangladesh Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Javed Patwary BPM (Bar) welcomed the guests at the event accompanying with Deputy Chief of Mission Abul Hasan Mridha and Defense Attaché Brig. Gen. Sayeed Siddiki. To mark the day in his speech Ambassador Mr. Javed Patwary has said that on this day in 1971 combined forces of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force took a ceremonious birth and launched a concerted effort to put down the occupation army and finally achieved victory on 16th December 1971. Although November 21, 1971 is marked to be the raising day of the Bangladesh armed forces, the Bengali members of army, navy and air force conducted operations in their respective domains against the occupation forces from March 26, 1971' Ambassador said. Ambassador Mr. Javed Patwary said that Bangladesh is committed to promote global peace and stability. Keeping this end in view, Bangladesh Armed Forces have been taking part in the UN Peacekeeping Operations since 1988. Footprints of Bangladeshi peacekeepers are evident in almost all the troubled areas of the world, starting from Haiti to East Timor and from Georgia to Namibia. Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Javed Patwary BPM (Bar) said Bangladesh glorious role in peacekeeping mission has enabled them to be one of the major "Troops contributing" countries. He recalled with deep gratitude that 159 soldiers and officers lost their lives during peace keeping operations under UN mandate. Mr. Javed Patwary said "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh achieved sustained economic growth, structural transformation and remarkable social progress" in recent years. He said, soon after our independence, our Father of the nation adopted our defense policy and started organizing Armed Forces to make it a professional force. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has undertaken 'Forces Goal 2030' programme for modernizing our Armed Forces in all aspects. Today Bangladesh Armed Forces are well organized, confident and highly professional to safeguard the sovereignty of our country, he added. He also stated that both countries Armed Forces enjoy a great deal of trust and confidence and Bangladesh is also a proud member of Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC). By mentioning the current economic progress of Bangladesh, Ambassador said, we can work with the Kingdom to materialize the Saudi Vision 2030 with new engagement and cooperation in many sectors including cooperation in the defense area. We hope to see stronger and robust bilateral ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the coming days in all areas, he said.
