PM Confers National Standard to Three Units of East Bengal Regiment

Addressing a parade at Bangladesh East Bengal Regimental Centre at Chittagong Cantonment on the occasion, the Prime Minister hoped that members of the regiment as like in the past, would be able to successfully discharge their duties in protecting the national security and sovereignty in future.

She also hoped that members of the regiment would contribute to formation of a worthy nation through development of their professionalism and excellence at every stages of the service life.

The three unit of East Bengal Regiment (EBR) are 34 E Bengal of Rangpur Cantonment, 36 E Bengal of Shaheed Salauddin Cantonment and 38 E Bengal of Jalalalbad Cantonment.

The Prime Minister said the national flag is a symbol of the independence, sovereignty, honour and dignity of a nation. Every nation follow the rules of carrying symbol of the national dignity in the field of war.

She said acquiring the capacity to get the national flag is a matter of rare honour and proud for every unit. Today, the symbol of national pride- 'National Flag'- has been handed over to your hand," she said congratulating the members of 34, 36 and 38 EBR on getting the National Standard.

"You have got the National Flag in recognition to your excellence, hard practice and devotion to duties. I hope that you will always be ready to make any sacrifice to protect the dignity of the national flag and uphold the nation's confidence in you," she said.

The East Bengal Regiment, largest formation of the Bangladesh Army is playing a praiseworthy role in protecting country's independence and sovereignty through its traditional role as an infantry force.

As well, the force is providing aid to the civilian government when called upon and contributing regularly to Bangladesh's peacekeeping commitments abroad.

In March 1971, five battalions of the East Bengal Regiment mutinied and joined the Bangladesh War of Liberation in response to a crackdown on locals in East Pakistan and had played a significant role in liberating the country.

As the Prime Minister arrived at the parade ground Army Chief General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan received her.

On the National Standard Awarding ceremony, an attractive parade of the three units of the EBR was held at the centre. The parade was commanded by Lt. Col. Mohammad Bashirul Haque.

The Prime Minister inspected the parade and took salute. The national anthem was played at that time. The Prime Minister handed over the National Flag to the Commanders of the unit.

Cabinet members, parliament members, Chief of Naval Staff, senior civil and military officials, diplomats and civil dignitaries were present.

Commending the service of EBR to the nation, the Prime Minister said, the regiment initiated with the motto of 'Grace, Strength and Speed'- has a very traditional and proud history.

The regiment was formed during the colonial ear, much before the inception of Bangladesh Army. But, at present the necessity of the regiment is immense.

She paid tributes to two members of the Regiment Bir Shrestra Sepoy Mohammad Mostafa Kamal and Bir Shrestra Sepoy Mohammad Hamidur Rahman and other members of the force who laid their lives for country's liberation.

The Prime Minister also recalled the founder of the Regiment Major MA Ghani and one of the pioneers of the Regiment General MAG Osmani for their valuable contribution to the infantry force saying their tireless efforts contributed to bring the EBR to the present position.

In this regard the Prime Minister paid her glorious tributes to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman saying after independence Bangabandhu had taken initiative to build a strong armed force, which over the years has turned into a professional and smart force.

Highlighting the steps taken for overall development of the armed forces during her government's present and previous tenures, Sheikh Hasina said modernization of the armed forces has already begun in light of the Forces Goal 2030, which has been designed in coherence with 'Vision 2021'.

National Defense College, Military Institute of Science and Technology, Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Support Operation Training were constituted to make the armed forces into a modern and efficient force.

Pointing out the formation of new units of the armed forces she said process is going on to create more division and unit. Steps were also taken for increasing facilities of EBR training centre.

The Prime Minister said members of armed forces have earned respect, love and confidence of the nation for their service and dutifulness. "The present government has also immense confidence and trust over the armed forces," she said.

She added, "the armed forces have to contribute to the activities taken for the welfare of the nation and public interests, and brightened the country's image at global level."

The 34 East Bengal, known as 'Deadly Tigers' was formed in January 1977 in Jessore Cantonment. It achieved the Regimental Color in April 2000. The unit is now serving under 66 Infantry Division in Rangpur Cantonment.

The 36 East Bengal known as 'Dashing Tigers' was constituted in November 1977 at Bogra cantonment. It got the Regimental Color in March 1999. The unit is now working under 19 Infantry Division at Shaheed Salauddin Cantonment, Bangabandhu Bridge.

The 38 East Bengal known as 'Parodarshee Atthrish' was constituted at Rangpur Cantonment in December 1980. The unit received Regimental Color in April 2011. Now the unit is posted under 17 Infantry Division at Jalalabad Cantonment.

-Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)