DHAKA, Nov 21, 2025 (BSS) – Terming the upcoming national polls a crucial chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic transition, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today expressed the hope that the members of the Armed Forces would perform their duties with utmost efficiency and professionalism to make the elections smooth and festive.   “The upcoming election will be regarded as an important chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic transition. I firmly believe that the elections will be held in a seamless and festive manner. To arrange this election, members of the Armed will discharge their responsibilities with professionalism and expertise,” he said.   The Chief Adviser made the remarks while addressing a reception at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment, on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day-2025.   Recalling the contribution of the armed forces, Prof Yunus said since the independence of the country, the armed forces hahe been working, standing by the people, in nation building and tackling disasters alongside protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty.   “The armed forces, as always, are continuously reciprocating the trust of the country’s citizens by standing by the people during the 2024 student-people uprising and in the ongoing state reconstruction and reform efforts,” he said.    “I believe that the Bangladesh Armed Forces, loyal to democratic and disciplined leadership, will maintain this continuity of sacrifice and activity for the country with a combination of their professional skills and patriotism,” the Chief Adviser added.   At the beginning of his speech, Prof Yunus profoundly recalled and paid tributes to all the martyrs, wounded and valiant freedom fighters of the great Liberation War and also the martyrs, injured and participants of the 2024 July–August student-people’s uprising. He also expressed profound shock and sorrow at the deaths and injuries in house collapses and other incidents triggered by a powerful earthquake in several districts across the country today. Recalling the formation of the Bangladesh Armed Forces on the battlefield in 1971, he said after the atrocities carried out by the Pakistani occupation forces on March 25 in 1971, the then Major and later President Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh on March 27 from Chittagong’s Kalurghat Betar Kendra.    He noted that on 21 November 1971, the Army, Navy and Air Force launched joint operations against occupation forces — a milestone now commemorated every year as Armed Forces Day.    In continuation of that, the Chief Adviser said, on November 21, the army, navy and air force jointly started fighting against the Pakistani forces. “Therefore, November 21 is celebrated with pride as a milestone in the Liberation War,” he added.   He emphasised that had victory not been achieved, “these brave soldiers would have faced certain death and their families unbearable sufferings.”    Prof Yunus praised the courage of members of army, navy and air force who without regard for their lives or their families’ futures, jumped into the war, inspiring civilians to join the resistance by land, river and air.   He described how the Bangladesh Forces were organised into 11 sectors, providing both military and guerrilla training to freedom fighters from across the country, culminating in the historic joint operations on November 21 in 1971, which led directly to victory on December 16.   “The contribution of our armed forces in the 1971 Liberation War will be written in golden letters in the history of Bangladesh,” the Chief Adviser said.   Referring to the national defence, Prof Yunus said Bangladesh believes in respectful coexistence with all friendly nations but “must remain prepared and determined to defend sovereignty against any aggressive external threat.”   He noted that while the capacity enhancing of the armed forces was neglected during “fascist rule,” the interim government has undertaken extensive measures to modernise the Army, Navy and Air Force, including weapons acquisition, domestic production, advanced training, and technological upgrades.   The Chief Adviser said that the government has taken a policy decision to significantly expand BNCC activities to involve large numbers of students and youth in national defence and welfare initiatives. “These steps have elevated Bangladesh’s defence capabilities to a new height,” he added.   Highlighting international contributions, he said Bangladesh’s peacekeepers have completed 63 missions in 43 countries over the past 37 years, and continue to serve in 10 missions till now.    The Chief Adviser also said that Bangladesh is also recognized as one of the largest contributors of women peacekeepers.   “Today, Bangladesh is a responsible and reliable name in the global effort for world peace and security. For this, I extend my sincere thanks to all members of the armed forces,” he said and stressed on continued efforts to provide peacekeepers with timely training and essential equipment to operate effectively in challenging environments.   Addressing the guests from Bangladesh’s friendly countries, who joined the Armed Forces Day celebration event, Professor Yunus said, “We gratefully recall the contribution of the people of our friendly nations during our War of Liberation”.   “I am also thankful for the excellent training support and assistance provided to our Armed Forces by your countries. I must mention that it is a unique opportunity and great experience for our troops to work together with the global peacekeepers under the umbrella of the United Nations,” he added.    The Chief Adviser assured of providing full support to the United Nations in the global peace efforts by Bangladesh Armed Forces.   Prof Yunus thanked all attendees for making the event lively and dignified.   He wished peace and well-being for all members of the Armed Forces and their families and expressed hope that “we can all work together in unity for the development and progress of the country.”   Chiefs of three services, serving and retired members of the Armed Forces and their family members, guests from different friendly nations and leaders of different political leaders joined the function.   At the onset of the event, one minute of silence was observed paying tribute to the memories of the people who died in today’s earthquake.