Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, on Saturday said the East Bengal Regiment's glorious contribution to the 1971 Liberation War remains an inseparable chapter of Bangladesh's history and should be preserved for future generations beyond political considerations.
"The sacrifice and valour of the East Bengal Regiment in defending the country's independence and sovereignty must be presented to future generations, and this history should remain above politics," he said.
The Speaker made the remarks while addressing a programme titled "The Role of the East Bengal Regiment in the Liberation War" as the chief guest at the Retired Armed Forces Officers Welfare Association (RAOWA) Club in Mohakhali.
He said every soldier of the East Bengal Regiment remains committed to defending the country's independence and sovereignty, even at the cost of his life if necessary.
Recalling the Liberation War, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said Sylhet was the only district headquarters among the country's 18 districts that was liberated solely through the efforts of freedom fighters, with the 1st Battalion of the East Bengal Regiment playing a pivotal role in the operation.
He also recalled leading two companies during the military operation in the MC College area on December 15, 1971.
Paying tribute to freedom fighter Major Ziauddin, the Speaker said the decorated officer never compromised on the issues of independence and sovereignty.
He said the true spirit of a freedom fighter lies in speaking the truth without hesitation whenever the country's interests are at stake.
The Speaker noted that every soldier and officer of the East Bengal Regiment participated in the Liberation War, describing it as a matter of immense national pride.
He said the Pakistanis had once believed Bengalis were "not a martial race," but that misconception was completely shattered through the courage and sacrifice displayed during the 1971 Liberation War.
Describing the armed forces as servants of the people rather than their masters, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said the military has consistently stood beside the people during natural disasters and national crises since independence and expressed hope that it would continue to play its historic role in protecting the country's independence, sovereignty and national interests.
He also observed that although the contribution of the East Bengal Regiment has yet to receive full recognition, the sacrifices of its soldiers would one day be properly honoured in the nation's history.
The programme was chaired by Retired Armed Forces Officers Welfare Association (RAOWA) Chairman Colonel (Retd) Mohammad Abdul Haque. Liberation War Affairs Minister Advocate Ahmed Azam Khan attended the event as the special guest.
