Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called on members of the armed forces to play a historic role in the national elections and referendum to be held next February.
At the same time, he praised the contribution of the armed forces in national security, progress, nation building and standing by the people in times of crisis.
The Chief Adviser said, “The contribution of the armed forces in the security, progress and nation building of Bangladesh is truly commendable. The sacrifice and dedication you have shown to ensure the security of the country is exemplary.”
He made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the National Defense Course (NDC) and Armed Forces War Course (AFWC)-2025 held at the National Defense College in Mirpur Cantonment in the capital on Wednesday (December 3, 2025).
The Chief Advisor said, “The continued efforts of the armed forces in crises like natural disasters, political unrest and pandemics bear witness to their preparedness and steadfast dedication to the welfare of the people of the country.”
He also thanked the members of the force for contributing to global peace through their participation in UN peacekeeping missions, which has enhanced Bangladesh’s international reputation.
Calling for a historic role in the upcoming elections, the Chief Advisor said, “We have a truly historic role to play in the national elections and referendum next February. This will not only be a historic moment, but will also ensure voting in a peaceful and festive atmosphere. When voters come out to vote, it will be festive and the nation will remember with pride that they participated in a historic moment that changed the destiny of the country.”
At the beginning of his speech, the Chief Advisor paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and said, “This is a special month. The month of the historic victory of our Liberation War. We all remember with pride those heroes who sacrificed their lives in our Liberation War. We also remember the sacrifices of people from all walks of life who contributed to the country’s liberation struggle.’
He paid tribute to all the martyrs and injured who sacrificed their lives in the July Uprising. Professor Yunus said, ‘I have deep respect for all the students and countrymen who made the July Uprising possible, who sacrificed their lives and were injured with the dream of a new Bangladesh.’
He urged the countrymen to pray and supplicate for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
The Chief Advisor said, ‘At this joyful moment of the graduation ceremony, let us pray to Allah with all Bangladeshis for the speedy recovery of our former Prime Minister and national leader Begum Khaleda Zia.’
Congratulating the graduating officers, the Chief Advisor said, ‘Today’s graduation is an important milestone in your life. Successfully completing the National Defense Course and the Armed Forces War Course is truly a great achievement.’
He further said, ‘This is a memorable moment in your life. This achievement is a reflection of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Now you are ready to take on higher responsibilities, which will empower you to understand the intricacies of national security, state governance, policy making, strategy formulation and national development.’
On the objectives and goals of the National Defense College, Professor Yunus said that the college was established to develop leaders who would be able to dedicate themselves to the complex and evolving geopolitical situation.
He mentioned, ‘We are at a time when the importance of economic centralization is shifting towards Asia, Bangladesh is in a strategic position that offers tremendous opportunities. It is an important responsibility for the future leadership to ensure sustainable growth and development of the country by utilizing this unique geopolitical advantage.
Professor Yunus said, “The National Defense Course is a strategic level course that enables participants to understand, analyze and make strategic decisions on national security and enhances leadership skills.”
He also said, “The Armed Forces War Course works on the strategic and operational levels and helps to establish a connection between the strategic and tactical levels. During this course, you are involved in extensive discussions and analysis of current global challenges such as terrorism, climate change and cyber threats.”
Source: BSS.
