By: Goshu Melisew
Bangladesh celebrated its Armed Forces Day 2025 in Addis Ababa, bringing together senior officials, diplomats, and members of the international community to mark the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Air Vice Marshal Sitwat Nayeem, highlighted the growing strength of Ethiopia–Bangladesh relations and Bangladesh’s enduring role as one of the world’s leading contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
“The unity of Bangladesh’s Army, Navy, Air Force, and freedom fighters during the 1971 Liberation War paved the way for our independence,” Ambassador Nayeem said. “Over the past five decades, our armed forces have evolved into a modern, professional institution with advanced capabilities, strong discipline, and a global reputation for peacekeeping excellence.”
He noted that Bangladesh continues to be one of the world’s top troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations, a role the country views as part of its responsibility to global peace.
Echoing the ambassador, Brigadier General Shariful Islam, Military Attaché of Bangladesh to Ethiopia, said, “Bangladesh is the third-largest contributor of peacekeepers. Our commitment to peace extends far beyond our borders, and our forces continue to stand at the frontline of global stability.”
Both officials emphasized the deepening relationship between Ethiopia and Bangladesh. Ambassador Nayeem highlighted that since the establishment of the Bangladesh Embassy in Addis Ababa in 2016 and the Defense Wing in 2020, bilateral defense cooperation has expanded significantly.
Brig. Gen. Shariful Islam added that the Bangladeshi defense team continues to strengthen collaboration with the Ethiopian National Defense Force through regular engagement, mutual support, and shared goals in regional and global peace efforts. “We are confident that the relationship between our two friendly militaries will continue to grow, bringing mutual benefit and contributing to peace and stability,” he said.
The event brought together senior Ethiopian officials, diplomats, military attachés, and members of the international community. Both the ambassador and military attaché highlighted that Bangladesh–Ethiopia cooperation is entering a new phase, grounded in mutual respect, peace, and development.
