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Tradition Never Dies

Lt Col S Akram Ali, AEC
A faith, an ideal and glorious traditions for which a nation exists arc believed to be the important causes for prosperity. They inspire the nation to combat any crisis and encourage the people individually and collectively to the acts of gallantry. The military traditions of Bangladesh are traced far back into the history of the country. In Bangladesh, gallantry has become a significant part of its heritage. Soldiers can trace their origin to the Aryan, Dravidian, Arabian, Turkish, Afghan and Persian who came as invaders and stayed to make this land their home. The history of Bengal is in real sense the history of these heroic people. They can be justly proud of the part they have played in moulding that history and in the recent years the history of Bangladesh.
Heroic Deeds
The people have made a tradition of sacrifice in an endless pursuit of freedom. For them, independence has been an article of faith deeply ingrained in their hearts. Our valiant soldiers fought against aggressors. Under the leadership of Ikhtiaruddin Muhammad Bin Bakhtiar Khilji they established the first Muslim rule in Bengal. They resisted the Mughal aggression under Isha Khan. When the British established their rule in Bengal, these freedom fighters opposed all through. The middle of nineteenth century witnessed independence movement organised by Haji Sharitullah, Dudu Mian and Titumir. They infused a new life and brought a great agitation among the Muslims of this land especially among the peasants who were imbued with the doctrine of independence. Gifted with indomitable courage, valour and energy Titumir, a great freedom fighter met the British soldiers and fought bravely but failed to resist them. The freedom loving people did not get disheartened by this failure, rather they got themselves energized with the example of Titumir. That acted, in fact, as an evolving source of inspiration to them in the years to come.
The British, from the beginning of their mle in Bengal, kept the local people away from military establishment. But the lucky few who could become soldiers under the British demonstrated a rare form of heroism and bravery during both the World Wars. The situation did not change much even after the partition of India in 1947. A similar antagonism and discrimination yet existed and that coud not deter the valiant and courageous sons of the land from performing true to their tradition. Even with a token presence in the Pakistan Army, the soldiers of this land created history by their exemplary courage and valour in the Indo-PakWar of 1965.
War of Independence' 71
The Liberation War of 1971 witnessed the people of-this country in their finest glory and at their best armour. It was, undoubtedly, the best hour when millions of people took part in this great War of Liberation
operations. Though heterogeneously organised initially they responded readily to discipline and leadership, and acquired a sense of duty and esprite-de-corps that served them well in many operations they fought. Nothing could obstruct and seize their fighting. Even failures in different operations could not curb the spirit and morale of the freedom fighters. The battle of Kamalpur may be cited as an example where consecutive nine unsuccessful attacks by the Mukti Bahini shoved the will and determination of the freedom loving nation.
The bitter struggle of nine months culminating into thirteen days of conventional war resulted in a total victoiy over a formidable enemy by virtue of the people’s exemplary courage, moral strength and dedicated spirit, of sacrifice for the cause of independence. The unflinching courage and exceptional patriotism shown by the valiant Bir Sresthos is rare in the history of warfare and will inspire and enthuse
and many embraced martyrdom to liberate the motherland. Some defected army officers (a good number of them were newly commissioned) reorganising themselves, formed the nucleus of liberation forces. These young leaders who had hardly been prepared for independent command had this great responsibility thrust upon them, and they were found worthy of great jobs. The soldiers from this area revolted with the single aim of liberating Bangladesh from the occupation forces. They were overwhelmingly spirited by spontaneous participation of youths, students, peasants, workers and people from all walks of life. These freedom fighters were often ill-equipped but they proved to themselves formidable in the
tradition of gallantry, besides, there are hundreds of such gallant heroes and thousands of unknown and unsung brave men who laid down their lives for the birth of a free nation. Perhaps, history has yet to produce examples where the price of independence in terms of blood and sacrifice have been as great as it has been in case of Bangladesh.
Nation Building
During the post independence period many officers and men have also set rich tradition by upholding their professional commitment. While fighting against the insurgents in Chittagong Hill Tracts Lt Mushfiqur Rahman, Bir Uttom at his last moments conveyed to his Commanding Officer that he was dying happily after avenging the death of his soldiers, and Lt Ahsan,
Bir Bikram before dying took the commitment to fight unto death. By giving dearest possessions nay the lives, many officers and soldiers have set the highest standard of sacrifice which every member in Armed Forces envies.
Bangladesh Armed Forces has also set a great tradition of timely response to the call of the nation during each and every natural calamity. The Armed Forces personnel take pride in the service they render and look forward to working for the development programme whenever and wherever they arc called for. Participation of Bangladesh in the UN peace-keeping* operations has increased the honour and prestige of the nation. The dedication and professionalism of our soldiers have earned praise and admiration of international communities and crowned them with the world-wide recognition as professional soldiers.
In Bangladesh, a soldier is not afraid of death and he is fearless in battle, because he knows that, to a warrior, there is nothing nobler than a righteous war and that death on a battle field opens up a door to heaven. Therefore, he fights regardless of the consequences. As a result, our soldiers have gone forward in every battle, fearless of death whether in the battles against the Mughals, or the battles against the Birtish, or the battles fought during the two World Wars, or the Indo-Pak War of 1965, or Liberation War of 1971, or in the counter insurgency operations. These Bangladeshi soldiers have been a symbol of gallantry and supreme sacrifice.
Conclusion
The Armed Forces Day reminds us of those valiant sons, martyred or alive whose unflinching courage by exceptional patrotism, steel-framed determination and sacrifices ensured our independent existence. The great traditions set by these gallant heroes guide all our thoughts and endeavours so as to renew' our pledge to live and survive as an independent nation with heads high and self-respect.