Bangladesh Army

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Bangladesh Army is the land warfare branch and the largest of the three armed forces of Bangladesh. Established on March 26, 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation War, it is tasked with the defense of Bangladesh from external aggression and threats, maintaining internal security, and assisting civil authorities in disaster relief and emergency management. The President of Bangladesh serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the army, which is governed by the Ministry of Defence.

History

The origins of the Bangladesh Army can be traced back to the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, when it was formed from the military regiments of the erstwhile East Pakistan and the Mukti Bahini (Freedom Fighters) to fight against the Pakistani military. Following independence, the newly formed Bangladesh Army played a crucial role in rebuilding the war-torn country and has since evolved into a professional military force participating in various United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world.

Structure

The Bangladesh Army is structured into various divisions, brigades, and units, including infantry, artillery, armor, engineers, and signals, among others. It operates under a hierarchical command structure with its headquarters located in Dhaka. The Chief of Army Staff, a four-star general, is the highest-ranking officer and is responsible for the operational command of the army.

Training and Education

The Bangladesh Army emphasizes the training and education of its personnel through various institutions such as the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA), which offers commissioning courses to cadets, and the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), which provides advanced operational and staff training to mid-level officers. Additionally, the National Defence College (NDC) offers strategic level courses to senior military and civilian officials.

Equipment

The Bangladesh Army is equipped with a range of modern military hardware, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery pieces, and small arms. It has been modernizing its arsenal to enhance its operational capabilities and interoperability with other nations' forces.

International Peacekeeping

The Bangladesh Army has a distinguished record in international peacekeeping operations. It has contributed troops to numerous United Nations peacekeeping missions in countries such as Lebanon, Congo, Sudan, and Mali, earning international acclaim for its professionalism and dedication to maintaining peace and security.

Challenges and Future Directions

The Bangladesh Army faces various challenges, including border security issues, the threat of terrorism, and the need for modernization of its forces. It is actively working on enhancing its capabilities through modernization programs, increased training, and international cooperation to effectively address these challenges and contribute to national and regional security.

See Also

• Military of Bangladesh
• Bangladesh Liberation War
• United Nations Peacekeeping