Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina marked the twelfth national parliament election by taking the oath for the fifth time as the head of the government. On the first working day following this significant event, she devoted her attention to the armed forces, demonstrating her unwavering respect and gratitude to the martyred members. On Monday, January 15, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina commenced her day by visiting the armed forces section at her office, where she carried out a ceremonial wreath-laying at the Shikha Anirban (eternal flame) located in Dhaka Cantonment.
The Inter-Services Public Relations Department (ISPR) disclosed that at 10:20 in the morning, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her capacity as the head of the government, arrived at the armed forces section. Welcoming her were the Principal Staff Officer, Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim, and Directors General from various departments under the armed forces. Following the reception, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina engaged in a courtesy meeting with the top brass of the armed forces, including Army Chief General M. Shafiuddin Ahmed, Navy Chief Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan, and Air Force Chief Air Marshal Sheikh Abdul Hannan.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister also had the presence of her security adviser, Major General Tarique Ahmed Siddique (Rtd.). This meeting emphasized the strong and harmonious relationship between the political leadership and the military, underscoring the collaborative efforts to ensure national security and prosperity.
In the morning’s solemn event, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tribute to the brave members of the armed forces who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Bangladesh’s independence. Visiting the Shikha Anirban, the eternal flame at Dhaka Cantonment, she laid a wreath as a symbolic gesture of respect and remembrance. The wreath-laying ceremony was an integral part of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by the armed forces during the war of independence.
Upon her arrival at the Shikha Anirban, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was welcomed by the three chiefs of the armed forces, namely General M. Shafiuddin Ahmed, Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan, and Air Marshal Sheikh Abdul Hannan. The Principal Staff Officer of the armed forces, Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim, was also present at the ceremony. A smartly turned-out guard of honor provided by the armed forces added a touch of solemnity to the occasion.
After laying the wreath, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inspected the guard of honor, reflecting on the sacrifices made by the armed forces in the war of independence. She took the time to leave her comments in the book kept for such occasions and signed it, adding a personal touch to the solemn event. The senior military officials present at the ceremony were a testament to the unity and shared commitment between the political leadership and the armed forces in safeguarding the nation’s interests.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s homage to the martyred members of the armed forces underscores the government’s deep appreciation for their sacrifices. This ceremonial act not only pays respect to the heroes of the war of independence but also reinforces the strong bond between the political leadership and the armed forces in ensuring the nation’s security and prosperity. The wreath-laying ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the shared history and commitment to upholding the values that the armed forces hold dear.
