Appreciating the role of the Armed Forces during the 2024 uprising, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday sought support from the Armed Forces, police and other law enforcement agencies to hold the upcoming national election in a peaceful and festive manner in the first half of February next year.
“Again, we need the support of our Armed Forces, of our police, law enforcement agencies,” he said, noting that now is the time for the election and they are looking forward to it, scheduled to be held in the first half of February next year.
Prof Yunus said it is a big undertaking, coming from an uprising and moving to an election, which is going to be “peaceful, a kind of celebration, a need for happiness and being together,” while still allowing people to express their own desires and aspirations.
He made the remarks while speaking at the graduation certificate-giving ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) Course-2025 at the DSCSC Complex in Mirpur Cantonment.
DSCSC is a prime military institution of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.
The Chief Adviser reiterated the nation’s trust in the DSCSC as a pillar of excellence in military education and leadership development.
Congratulating all the graduating officers, he advised them to utilise the knowledge, wisdom, and determination they acquired in the course for the progress of the nation.
Prof Yunus also highly appreciated the global reputation of DSCSC as a leading military institution.
Referring to technological advancements, cyberspace, media, including social media, misinformation, disinformation, and multifaceted geographical and strategic issues, he said, “You need a deeper understanding of this future security landscape in navigating such complex dynamics.”
He said they must always remember the national geographic potentials, geostrategic potentials, and vulnerabilities so they are able to protect their national interests at any cost.
“I’m very happy to know that your course curricula have deepened your understanding and knowledge of modern-day challenges… Let your leadership serve not only the nation, but also the global community. Together, let us build a world where power is dedicated to serving people, and leadership is defined by selfless service,” Prof Yunus said.
He said, “Let Bangladesh Armed Forces be recognized not only for their efficiency, but for their morality; not only for their vigour, but also for their wisdom; not only for their conquest, but for their compassion. And remember that courage and wisdom should march side by side.”
Prof Yunus said this is an exciting moment for him, seeing that occasion, going through it, and being part of that ceremony. “But for you, those who are receiving these degrees today, it is a memory of a lifetime,” he added.
Addressing the graduates, he said, “While you are in Bangladesh, I’m sure you have familiarised yourself with the country. While you’re going through your preparations and your studies for the coursework, which is a routine thing anywhere you go, you will go through that.”
“But you are lucky to be here in Bangladesh at a time when the country is going through a tremendous transition and transformation, and as we repeatedly mention, we are moving to a new Bangladesh,” the Chief Adviser said.Speaking about Bangladesh’s student-people’s bloody uprising last year, which ended the past regime, he said new hopes and aspirations have been created among the country’s people.
“These are not just Bangladeshi aspirations. This is a global aspiration,” Prof Yunus added.
He said that both foreign and Bangladeshi participants in the course might have absorbed the historical moment they witnessed during their training, saying such an experience is rare even in Bangladesh.
About the role of the Armed Forces during the 2024 uprising, the Chief Adviser said the Armed Forces played the role they were supposed to play by standing firmly with the people. “Bangladesh is a lucky country.”
At the beginning of the event, Commandant of the DSCSC Maj Gen Chowdhury Mohammad Azizul Haque Hazary expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chief Adviser for presenting the certificates to the graduating officers.
He expressed hope that the knowledge acquired through a year of rigorous training would further strengthen their respective forces.
Commandant Hazary expressed his sincere gratitude to the concerned ministry, service headquarters, Armed Forces Division, and all stakeholders for ensuring the success of DSCSC Course-2025.
This year, a total of 311 trainees, including 170 officers of the Bangladesh Army, 45 officers of the Bangladesh Navy, 36 officers of the Bangladesh Air Force, three officers of the Bangladesh Police, and 58 officers from China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Liberia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Turkey, and Uganda, graduated from DSCSC Course-2025.
A total of 14 female officers, including one female officer from Bangladesh Police, graduated this year, which reflects the institution’s commitment to women’s inclusion and empowerment, said ISPR.
The DSCSC is an internationally renowned educational institution of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, committed to preparing mid-level officers for higher responsibilities and leadership.
Since its inception, a total of 6,814 officers have been trained at this institution, including 5,329 officers from the Bangladesh Armed Forces, 20 police officers, and 1,465 officers from foreign armed forces of 45 friendly countries.
Chiefs of Bangladesh Army and Navy, ambassadors of various countries stationed in Dhaka, Principal Staff Officers of the Armed Forces Division, high-ranking military and civilian officers (serving and retired), vice-chancellors and professors of various universities, military/defense attachés of various countries posted in Dhaka, and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
