US general lauds Bangladesh’s support to security cooperation

A US general on Tuesday profusely praised the Bangladesh military for its impressive record of achievements since its very founding, saying the leadership and extensive participation of Bangladesh army in the UN peacekeeping and peace support initiatives were acclaimed by the international community.

“Bangladesh has 7,000 troops and police personnel in UN peacekeeping missions around the world providing security as well as assistance in the areas such as medical care and engineering expertise,” US National Guard Bureau vice chief Lieutenant Gen Daniel R. Hokanson said.

Speaking at a reception staged to celebrate the Armed Forces Day at Bangladesh embassy in Washington DC Hokanson said Bangladesh also deserved high praise for its generous humanitarian efforts for Rohingya and providing shelter to one million refugees.

A Bangladesh embassy press release received in Dhaka today said the US General made the remarks as he spoke as the guest of honor at the 47th Armed Forces Day reception at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the mission.

Deputy chief of US Army Reserve Major General AC Roper represented Pentagon to the event as a special guest while Bangladesh Ambassador Mohammad Ziauddin and Defense Attach Brigadier General Moinul Hassan spoke on the occasion.

Ambassadors of other countries, senior Pentagon and US State Department officials, representatives of other US organizations, members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, Bangladeshi diaspora and officials of the embassy largely attended the event.

Hokanson also appreciated Bangladesh’s role in Dhaka-Washington security cooperation and particularly the relation between Bangladesh army and the US National Guard that began in 2008.

He said working together, learning from each other and sharing resources, the two forces have become stronger together to address challenges posed by increasing conflicts in regions and global security environment.

“Our security cooperation has also deepened our understanding and friendship” between the peoples of the two countries, he said.

Hokanson also lauded the Bangladesh army’s impressive contribution to defense and security not only of Bangladesh but also the international community.

Ambassador Ziauddin said Bangladesh is proud of its armed forces. Their sacrifices and contributions during Bangladesh’s liberation war have been invaluable. Besides, in times of natural and manmade calamities, they have become indispensable for their human services.

He also said that the Bangladesh armed forces are also involved in internal and external security, countering terrorism and extremism, combating smuggling and human and drug trafficking. On Bangladesh-US cooperation, the ambassador said the US government supports Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s endeavors to modernize the country’s armed forces.

He appreciated the US for its technical assistance in setting up BIPSOT and making it into a globally reputed institute for training UN peacekeepers.

Ziauddin also mentioned the installation of automated identification system to enhance the capacity of the maritime security of Bangladesh. US Navy Staff Talk is planned to be held next year, he added.

Defense Attach, of the embassy Brigadier General Moinul Hassan delivered the welcome address. Video clips highlighting the significance of the Armed Forces Day were screened and a celebration cake was cut at the reception.

DailyBangladesh/Prince