Addis Ababa, November 22, 2024 (FBC) – During a celebration of Bangladesh Armed Forces Day yesterday, Brigadier General G M Shariful Islam, the Bangladesh Military Attaché in Ethiopia, highlighted the historical significance of the day.
Ethiopian Defense War College Commander in Chief Brig.-Gen Bulti Tadesse, Director-General Middle East, Asia Pacific at The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Negus Kebede, members of the diplomatic community and military attaché of various countries were present at the event.
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s journey to independence, G M Shariful Islam paid tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the nation’s sovereignty.
He noted the continuous modernization efforts and rigorous training programs that have strengthened the Bangladeshi armed forces over recent decades.
Under the auspices of the current interim government led by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhmmad Yunus, the armed forces are receiving robust support to achieve self-reliance and maintain national security.
“Our armed forces have earned a high reputation internationally for their remarkable role in peacekeeping operations worldwide,” Brig.-Gen Islam remarked.
“With a notable contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions, Bangladesh currently deployed personnel in nine countries, with 5,918 peacekeepers—including 479 women—serving under the UN flag,” he explained.
Brig.-Gen Islam highlighted the longstanding bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and Bangladesh, noting its strengthening since the establishment of the Bangladesh Embassy in Addis Ababa in 2016 and the operationalization of the defense wing in November 2020.
He extended gratitude to the Ethiopian government and military for their support in fostering this collaboration.
In closing, the Military Attaché expressed his hopes for an even brighter future for Bangladesh-Ethiopia relations, underscoring a collective commitment to making the world a better place for future generations.