Cumilla Correspondent

A glorious day in the history of Bengali nation. On this day in 1971, the freedom fighters joined forces with the armed forces and launched a joint attack.

As a result, our great victory on 16 December 1971 hastened. Like every year this year also 21 November is celebrated as Armed Forces Day with due dignity and respect.

In continuation of this, a charming reception program was organized on Monday at Cumilla Cantonment.

940 brave freedom fighters were present in this event. General Officer Commanding (GOC), 33 Infantry Division and Area Commander, Cumilla Area Major General Md. Mainur Rahman, SUP, AWC, PSC welcomed all the dignitaries including freedom fighters who came to the event.

The Chief Guest then recalled his welcome address at the beginning to all present. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bengali father of the nation of all time and paid tribute to countless brave martyrs and brave freedom fighters whose self-sacrifice achieved the desired freedom.

In particular, he praised the immense bravery, cooperation and heroic contribution of Cumilla region in the liberation war and paid humble respect to all the brave martyrs including the brave freedom fighters of Cumilla region present at the event. He also thanked all the present freedom fighters, family members of martyrs and invited guests and expressed gratitude for attending the function and gracing the occasion.

The chief guest said in his speech that besides performing professional duties, the armed forces are contributing to the overall development of the country through dealing with any disaster at the national level, building infrastructure, serving humanity, countering terrorism in Chittagong, suppressing militancy, assisting the civil administration and various nation-building activities.

In addition, UN peace keeping activities have enhanced the image of the country in the international arena. He also said that the present government is always committed to strengthening the armed forces with modern technological military equipment with a view to modernization, expansion and modernization.

Among others, military and civil administration officials, local dignitaries and journalists were present.