Official Bangladeshi Version:
fter 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 valour in the Indo‑Pak War of 1965.
The year 1971 saw the Bengalees in their finest glory. Although count*less number of people embraced martyrdom to liberate their Country, the year also saw unimaginable acts of bravery and courage, as well as meticulous military planning. The stigma of 'a martially inferior race' that was so unfairly and revengefully attached to the Bengalees by the Pakistanis finally disappeared in a blaze of glory.
Bengalees proved that although they were peace‑loving people, they could also rise to defend themselves whenever there was an attack on them and take the fight to the enemy's territory. After independence, a new journey began with small but sure steps to rebuild the military institutions and a defence 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 Armour, 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 Centre where only the infantry soldiers could be trained.
Bangladesh Army has come a long way since then. Its transformation from a nondescript entity to a credible defence apparatus has not been without its share of vicissitudes and trying times. As an institution, the Army today is self‑contained, with tremendous potentials to sustain growth, expansion and modernisation in their totality. Every corps can proudly claim to have an institution of their own where men and officers alike are trained in their respective trade. Looking back, one can take pride from the fact that it was worth all the effort and sacrifice.
On the15th February 1948, the most glorious chapter of our military history was initiated. On this day, the East Bengal Regiment was raised at Kurmitoia, 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.
The glorious chapter of this regiment may be attributed to two major events of military history of this subcontinent. In a rare feat of battle showmanship, the fearless'tigers'of the regiment as they are popularly called, inflicted unprecedented damage and casualties on the Indian side in the Indo‑Pak War of 1965. In recognition of their sacrifices, the 1 East Bengal Regiment was awarded the highest number of gallantry awards. The performance was only to be repeated six years later. 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 Armoured 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 Armoured 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 requirement of a modern armoured corps necessitated the creation of few more tank regiments thus converting the armoured corps into a highly competent and credible combat force that it is today.
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 undaunted and steadfast morale of its personnel provided the ultimate impetus to victory. In recognition of their bravery, patriotism and ultimate sacrifice, some 16 members of the corps were given gallantry awards of different merits. In all, 121 members of this corps embraced martyrdom. The corps began its operation with six cannons and one field battery during the freedom struggle. Today, it is a force to reckon with consisting of a number of units. The Regimental Centre and School of the corps received the National Standard on the 18th of November 1982 as a symbol of trust placed upon it in defending our independence and sovereignty.
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 reorganised and later expanded. Engineers have been playing a vital role for the last decade in all spheres of national activities and in times of national emergencies like natural calamities and disasters of great magnitude.
During the time of reorganisation of the Bangladesh forces in 1971 , the Supreme Commander felt the necessity of restructuring the signal units to suit the need of time. This resulted in the formation of sector‑wise Brigade Signal Companies. Initially three such companies were constituted with signallers from Army, Navy, Air force and the then East Pakistan Rifles (presently Bangladesh Rifles). The newly born brigade signal companies were attached to the No 1, 2 and 8 sectors with battalion headquarters at Mujibnagar. From the time of independence, the Signal Corps has achieved a commendable standard for its significant role in all spheres of military and national affairs. The Signal Corps today has been able to provide assured communication to the army through professional competency and with support of quality standard equipment.
Army Service Corps had only a few Bengalee officers and troops at the time of the Liberation War. Their participation even with such small strength in the freedom struggle is remarkable. The Army Service Corps came into being on 11 March 1972. Initially it started off with a small number of officers, junior commissioned officers and other ranks. However, selfless service of all ranks enabled the corps to achieve a very high standard of performance and recognition from all corners within a very short span of time. The corps has been organised and expanded to meet the growing demands of the army.
A good number of Bengalee officers and troops of the Pakistan Army medical Corps actively participated in the Liberation War. Some 14 officers and 114 troops embraced martyrdom and enriched the History of Medical Corps with glory. The Directorate of Medical Services came into existence during the Liberation War at Mujibnagar. In 1973, the newly organised corps started expanding with 224 officers and 1484 other ranks. Slowly and gradually, a good number of small and big medical institutions including field medical units were raised. After it was reorganised in 1973, the Armed forces Institutes of Pathology and Transfusion started its work with full dedication. For its unique and exceptional performance in medical science, the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and Transfusion was awarded the prestigious civil award Shadhinata Padak (Independence Medal) in 1987.
Despite limited scope, members of the Ordnance Corps went beyond the call of duty to augment the strength of frontline 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 reorganised and subsequently expanded to suit the need of the time.
During the War of Independence, 1400 members of the erstwhile Pakistan Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering were stationed in Bangladesh. These men fought gallantly side by side with members of other fighting arms in the war. Within the limited constraints of equipment and technical backup, these men made best use of their skill and technical knowledge in keeping all armament and weapon battle worthy. After liberation, 4 infantry workshops were raised in April 1972. The corps was further reorganised and expanded subsequently.
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