A little about Bangladesh Army:
After the partition of India in 1947, the Pakistani authorities began to show a similar antagonism and attitude towards the Bengalee community, which made it extremely difficult to develop and sustain a military heritage. But this inexplicable hostility and cynicism of the Pakistanis did not stand in the way of legendary performances by the valiant and courageous Bengalees. Even with a token presence in the Pakistan Army, the Bengalee soldiers created history by their exemplary courage and valor in the Indo‑Pak War of 1965.
After independence, a new journey began with small but sure steps to rebuild the military institutions and a defense structure. It was a gigantic task and a huge challenge to the competency of our planners. In the absence of a strong foundation and background, a painstaking process to rebuild the total infrastructure was initiated. The legacy that we inherited was one of bankruptcy. Not a single Armor, Engineers, Signals, Ordnance, Supply and Transport of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering unit was in existence when the country emerged as a free nation. There was no military institution other than the East Bengal Regimental Center where only the infantry soldiers could be trained.
On the15th February 1948, the most glorious chapter of our military history was initiated. On this day, the East Bengal Regiment was raised at Kurmitola, Dhaka under the prudent leadership of late Major Abdul Ghani. This auspicious occasion provided an identity that would sustain through all crises and generate pride in millions of hearts for years to come. Two pioneer companies of Bengali Muslims had earned wide acclaim for their bravery during the World War-II both in British India and abroad. Subsequently, these two companies laid the foundation of the East Bengal Regiment. This historic regiment is now one of the vital organs of Bangladesh Army.
During the War of Liberation in 1971, the same unit bagged the highest number of gallantry awards for their outstanding feat. As a whole, the regiment excelled itself with 2 out of 7 'Bir Srestho Padak' the highest military award of Bangladesh. A total of 317 awards of different merits were also awarded to various members of the regiment. Another milestone was added when a total of 24 infantry units was conferred with the National Standard for their exemplary role in defending sovereignty and providing selfless service to the nation.
Bengalee officers and soldiers were an enviable asset to the Armored Corps of Pakistan for their skill and efficiency. During the war of independence in 1971, 2 officers, 6 Junior Commissioned Officers and 48 soldiers of the Armored Corps embraced martyrdom. After independence, in 1972 the 1st Bengal Lancer was raised with the freedom fighters and Bengalee soldiers of 29 Cavalry of the then Pakistan Army at Dhaka Cantonment. This is the first tank regiment of Bangladesh Army.
The nucleus of Bangladesh Artillery Corps took shape during the War of Liberation and began its journey on 22 July of that year. This force comprised of freedom loving youths, Bengalee officers and jawans of the then Pakistan Army. The Artillery batteries continuously provided support to the freedom fighters throughout the Liberation War. The first Artillery unit, called the 'Mujib Battery', played a praiseworthy role during the Liberation War.
The history of the Corps of Engineers of Bangladesh Army dates back to the Bengal Sappers and Pioneers of British Imperial Army from where it originated. The highest gallantry award 'Bir Sreshtho' was posthumously awarded to Captain Mohiuddin Jahnagir of this Corps. During the War of Liberation in 1971, some 5 officers and 82 other ranks embraced martyrdom for their country. After the War of Liberation, the corps was reorganized and later expanded.
Despite limited scope, members of the Ordnance Corps went beyond the call of duty to augment the strength of front line forces and fought heroically side by side with other corps members. Some 36 soldiers embraced martyrdom in the Liberation struggle. The ordinance Corps was made responsible for collecting all sporadic equipment and vehicles from different parts of the country to make the best use of their services. The Ordnance Depots started functioning at Chittagong, Comilla, Syllnet, Rangpur, Saidpur and Jessore from March 1972. Later on, the corps was reorganized and subsequently expanded to suit the need of the time.
The biggest achievement in the reorganization of the Army can well be attributed to the establishment of the Bangladesh Military Academy at Bhatiary, Chittagong. The arduous task of building up this edifice began in 1974 when a makeshift Academy was set up at Comilla Cantonment. Two years later, it was shifted to its present location at Bhatiary. The effort has been especially rewarding in the sense that Bangladesh Military Academy matches the standard of any contemporary institution anywhere in the world. Cadets from foreign countries today are also availing facilities of the Academy for their pre-commission training. The Academy is also imparting training to Bangladesh Air Force and Naval Cadets. It is also providing basic military training to the members of Bangladesh Civil and Police administrations.
The School of Infantry and Tactics is one of the prime training institutions of our army and has been entrusted to conduct as many as twelve different courses on tactics, weapon and special military operations in a year. The school was established on 19 March 1973 at Jessore Cantonment as The School of Infantry. In 1979, it was shifted to its present location at Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet. In 1982, the Special Warfare School was merged with the School of Infantry and Tactics to constitute a separate wing, and in January 1988, the Research and Development Wing was also organized. Besides the Army, students from Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Rifles, Police, Ansars and officers from abroad also attend various courses run by the School.
The Defense Services Command and Staff College is a joint services training institution with separate wings for the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Staff College is located at Mirpur, Dhaka and was formally opened on 30 December 1977. A British Military Advisory Team (BMAT) initially assisted in the preparation and conduct of four short courses of six months duration exclusively for Bangladeshi officers. From 1983 onwards, the duration of the course was extended to ten months. In addition, a science package of six weeks duration has been introduced for Bangladeshi Army Wing students prior to their attending the Staff College. Officers from various countries also attend this course. Till the end of 1999, 362 overseas students from as many as 28 countries have graduated from this institution.
To meet the new Millennium challenges, Bangladesh Army is going through the process of modernization in all respects. In order to meet the growing need of our officers and men, some premier academic institutions have already been established, such as: National Defense College, Armed Forces War College, Military Institute of Science and Technology, Armed Forces Medical College and Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training. These institutions provide higher direction in the fields of defense management and technology.
The Bangladesh National Defense College (NDC) was formed following a decision of the Governing Body of the Defense Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) on 7 December 1996. The NDC is a tri‑service organization modeled both on the Royal College Defense Studies and other national defense colleges the region. The NDC offers a blend of academic study and debate within a relaxed and informal atmosphere will give the members the freedom to broaden the minds and develop their strategic vision as they purse individual studies and participate in the intellectual rigor of the course.
The Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) were inaugurated on 19 April 1998 at Mirpur, the place that has already become the center for learning for the armed forces officers from Bangladesh and abroad. The role of MIST is to provide technical training to officers of technical branches and other arm and services of the armed forces. Besides, this institute also offers technical training facilities to the civilian student community of the country. MIST conducts courses of Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Masters of Business Administration, besides Computer and other courses.
At the beginning of a new millennium, Bangladesh Army marches ahead in full glory with the expectations of more promising future.
Most part of this post
are from the official web portal of Bangladesh Army.
Thanks,
