Bangladesh Army in the era of Bangladesh 2.0
The Bangladesh Army is a symbol of the nation’s hope and dreams. It protects the country’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
As the largest branch of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, the Army is responsible for ground warfare. It’s not just a pride of Bangladesh—it’s a pride of the world.
In conflict zones around the globe, the Bangladesh Army has earned global respect for its skill, intelligence, and courage in peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
The Army played a key role in the creation of Bangladesh. Very few countries in the world had an army before gaining independence—Bangladesh is one of them.
And uniquely, this army was approved by a legitimate, elected government in exile. In my view, this is a one-of-a-kind event in world history. The Army fought and won the war, and only then was Bangladesh born.
That’s why Bangladesh and its Army complete each other. In today’s episode of Bangladesh Wonders, we’ll explore some remarkable facts about the Army that prove why it stands as one of the nation’s greatest wonders.
Silent Attacks on the Bangladesh Army by Foreign Forces
Some forces never accepted Bangladesh’s independence. Between 1971 and 1975, they misled the government and set up an unjust alternative to the military: the “Jatiya Rakkhi Bahini.” During that time, the country witnessed widespread crimes—looting, killings, and assaults—and the Rakkhi Bahini was often involved. Even army personnel were harassed by them. However, after the political shift on August 15, 1975, the Bangladesh Army stood firm and dismantled that conspiracy.
But the hostile foreign elements didn’t stop. General Ziaur Rahman, a military leader, helped restore national pride and identity. This rise in sovereignty was intolerable to some neighbors. They responded with relentless plots against him. Inside the army, around 32 coup attempts were staged. Eventually, President Zia was assassinated in Chittagong. These acts were aimed at dividing and weakening the military from within.
In 2009, those same foreign forces made a full-scale move. They allegedly helped bring the Awami League to power through political manipulation. Then, on February 24 and 25 of that year, 57 army officers were killed—an act many believe was backed by conspiracy and government support. This event broke the backbone of the armed forces. That dark chapter finally came to an end in 2024, when Bangladesh entered a new era—its second independence—known as Bangladesh 2.0.
The Role of Bangladesh Army in Building Bangladesh 2.0
From 2008 to 2024, Bangladesh lived under an authoritarian regime. As soon as this government came to power in 2008, it launched its first attack on the Bangladesh Army.
In 2009, the nation witnessed one of the most tragic events in its history. On February 24 and 25, 57 army officers were brutally killed at the Pilkhana headquarters in Dhaka.
Many pieces of evidence suggest the then-government had direct involvement in this massacre.
But it wasn’t just the army that suffered. Ordinary citizens were also held hostage to that regime. People were often abducted by police over minor issues.
By 2024, when students and citizens rose up in a powerful movement against the fascist rule, the government ordered the army to fire on protesters. The army refused. Instead, it stood with the people.
Through that resistance—fueled by student protests, public uprising, and the army’s refusal to betray its own people—Bangladesh gained its second independence.
Much like the Liberation War of 1971, the country broke free again. This is how Bangladesh 2.0 was born—through sacrifice, unity, and courage.
In times of crisis, the Bangladesh Army has always stood with the people and for the nation. That legacy remains strong.
The Role of the Bangladesh Army in the Liberation War
The Bangladesh Army was the first to rise in defense of the people when the Pakistan Army unleashed brutal oppression in 1971.
It was a Bengali officer in the Pakistan Army, Major Ziaur Rahman—who had earlier earned Pakistan’s highest military award for his bravery in the 1965 war—who first declared Bangladesh’s independence.
He made this historic announcement through a radio message from Chittagong, openly rebelling against Pakistan. In response to this defiance, the government-in-exile of Bangladesh formed a regular land force, placing Colonel M.A.G. Osmani as the commander.
The new army was structured into 11 military sectors across the country, and each operated systematically to wage the war for independence.
Beyond the regular forces, the Bangladesh Army trained guerrilla fighters, coordinated operations, and made significant sacrifices. Their strategic leadership and bravery played a crucial role in the country’s liberation—and ultimately, they led the nation to victory.
Organizational Structure (Today)
Today, the Bangladesh Army is organized into 8 infantry divisions with 23 brigades deployed across the country. It includes:
- 1 Armored Brigade (with 2 armored regiments)
- 7 Artillery Brigades
- 1 Self-sufficient Air Defense Artillery Brigade
- 1 Engineers Brigade
- 1 Commando Battalion
- 2 Aviation Squadrons
This structure supports the Army’s mission to defend the nation and contribute to global peacekeeping efforts.
Bangladesh Army’s Role in United Nations Peacekeeping
The Bangladesh Army has been actively involved in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO) since 1991. During the first Gulf War, Bangladesh deployed a team of 2,193 personnel as peace observers in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Since then, Bangladesh troops have contributed to peacekeeping missions in Namibia, Cambodia, Somalia, Uganda/Rwanda, Mozambique, the former Yugoslavia, Liberia, Haiti, Tajikistan, Western Sahara, Sierra Leone, Kosovo, Georgia, East Timor, Congo, Ivory Coast, and Ethiopia.
As of September 2010, about 10,855 Bangladeshi soldiers serve in UN peacekeeping forces worldwide—the highest number from any country.
The Bangladesh Army’s contributions in Congo and Ivory Coast are so significant that Bengali has been recognized as a second official language in these countries. Moreover, many Bangladeshi soldiers have sacrificed their lives to maintain global peace.
Modern Equipment & Capabilities
While Bangladesh currently lags behind many modern armies in terms of weaponry, its soldiers receive world-class training. This high level of skill makes the Bangladesh Army one of the top three contributors to UN peacekeeping.
Encouragingly, the Army has begun acquiring modern equipment to better defend the country’s sovereignty. A UAV unit equipped with Turkish Bayraktar drones has recently been established.
Recognizing the importance of modern weaponry, the government has requested Turkey to build a modern arms factory in Bangladesh. This would help meet domestic needs and expand Turkey’s defense business.
Additionally, the government plans to enhance the country’s arsenal by purchasing modern weapons from Russia.
Bangladesh Army’s Role in Establishing Peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts
Since 1976, the Bangladesh Army has been engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts against the Shanti Bahini, who fought for tribal separatism.
After a peace agreement between the government and Shanti Bahini in 1997, the region has remained relatively peaceful. However, a significant number of troops are still deployed to maintain peace, stability, and security.
The army works hard to ensure the normal life of the local citizens continues smoothly. When necessary, the Border Guard Bangladesh (formerly BDR) supports the army in this mission.
Especially during winter, soldiers provide food, clothing, and essential supplies to the local people. They also offer crucial help during floods and landslides. The Bangladesh Army has established itself as the main force behind peace, harmony, and stability in the hill region.
Disaster Management by the Bangladesh Army
Due to its geographical location, Bangladesh is prone to natural disasters. It faces floods, droughts, cyclones, storm surges, and riverbank erosion frequently. Historical records remind us of devastating floods in 1974, 1987, 1988, 1998, and 2004. Most recently, the 2024 floods caused severe damage in the northern and southeastern parts of the country.
The Bangladesh Army’s effective and skilled response to every natural disaster and flood has always been widely praised across all sectors of society.|
Bangladesh Army’s Contribution to National Development
From the design stage to execution, patriotic members of the Bangladesh Army carry out various national projects with the highest priority, professionalism, honesty, dedication, and sincerity.
Since Bangladesh faces significant corruption challenges, both the people and the government see the Army as a symbol of trust and involve it deeply in national development efforts.
To improve healthcare services, the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) was established in 1999. Later, five medical colleges were set up in army cantonments at Bogura, Chattogram, Comilla, Jessore, and Rangpur.
Additionally, two Army Nursing Colleges have begun their educational programs.
In this era of science and technology, to bring Bangladesh closer to the developed world, the government established the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) in 1998.
For higher education, research, and modern knowledge, the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) was founded in 2013 at Mirpur Cantonment.
Currently, the Bangladesh Army operates 12 cadet colleges, 44 cantonment public schools and colleges, and 19 English medium and version schools, playing a vital role in expanding education.
Forces Goal 2030
Forces Goal 2030 is a military modernization program launched in 2009 and updated in 2017. It is designed to enhance the capabilities of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
Conclusions
The Bangladesh Army has been a cornerstone of the nation’s independence, peace, and progress. From its heroic role in the Liberation War to its ongoing commitment to peacekeeping, disaster management, and national development, the Army continues to serve with honor and dedication.
As Bangladesh moves forward into the era of Bangladesh 2.0, the Army remains a trusted guardian of sovereignty and a vital partner in building a prosperous future for all citizens. Their unwavering spirit and professionalism inspire confidence that Bangladesh’s journey toward progress and stability will continue strong for generations to come.