For the first time ever, a 122-member strong contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces will participate at the historic Republic Day celebrations. both countries fifty years of the establishment of diplomatic ties, imbues the participation of such a huge contingent from a friendly neighbour in the RD celebrations, with special significance.
The contingent will be led by contingent commander Lt Col Abu Mohammed Shahnoor Shawon and his deputies Lieutenant Farhan Ishraq and Flight Lieutenant Sibat Rahman. The contingent comprises of soldiers of the Bangladesh Army, sailors of the Bangladesh Navy and air warriors of the Bangladesh Air Force.
The majority of the soldiers in this contingent hail from the most distinguished units of the Bangladesh Army comprising of 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 & 11 East Bengal Regiment and 1, 2 and 3 Field Artillery Regiment. These units have the distinct honour of fighting and winning the 1971 Liberation War.
This Bangladesh contingent carries with them the legacy of legendary Muktijoddhas of Bangladesh, their fore-fathers who fought against oppression, mass atrocities by tyrannical forces and for the freedom of Bangladesh. The participation of the contingent also has members of the Bangladesh Navy and Air force who had contributed to the liberation of Bangladesh.
Operation Jackpot and Kilo flight of the Bangladesh Navy and Air-force respectively was demonstration of their resolve, courage and determination to fight against oppression.
The valiant Mukti Bahini and the Indian forces fought side by side against the enemy and secured victory. The blood of Mukti Bahini and Indian soldiers mingled with the soil and water of Bangladesh. This is a bond like no other; it is unparalleled in the annals of history. Our history is resplendent with stories of courage and eternal scarifies of the Muktijoddhas and the Indian soldiers for a noble and just cause. Bangladesh Armed Forces is considered a disciplined and professional force. Growing numbers of women are joining the forces to serve the country, and like India armed forces, the Bangladesh armed forces has also contributed to the UN peace keeping operations across the world.