Statement by Ambassador Mr. Ghanshyam Bhandari
at the Reception Held to Mark the 263rd Nepali Army Day
Dhaka, 27 March 2026
Chief Guest of this evening, Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh General Waker-Uz-Zaman, SBP, OSP, SGP, PSC
Excellencies, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Heads of Mission
Military Attache Brig. Gen. Anjan Keshar Khatri
Senior Officials from the Government of Bangladesh
Officers from Bangladesh Armed Forces
Defense Attachés from Different Embassies
My Fellow Nepali nationals, and
Distinguished Guests
Namaste, As-salamu Alaykum, Subho Sandhya, and Good Evening
দুইশত তেষট্টি তম নেপালী সেনাদিবস উদযাপন উপলক্ষ্যে আয়োজিত এই অনুষ্ঠানে আপনাদের সকলকে স্বাগত জানাতে পেরে আমি খুবই আনন্দিত।
এই দিনে আমাদের নেপালী সেনা এবং তাদের বীরত্ব, সাহস ও দৃঢ় সংকল্পকে অভিনন্দন জানাই।
নেপাল-বাংলাদেশ সম্পর্ক, বিশেষ করে আমাদের সামরিক সংযোগের উদযাপনের করি।
তাই, এই বিশেষ উপলক্ষ্যে আমাদের দুই দেশের সশস্ত্র বাহিনীকে অভিনন্দন জানাতে আমাদের সাথে যোগ দেওয়ার জন্য আপনাদের সবাইকে অনেক অনেক ধন্যবাদ।
It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to this programme organized to commemorate the 263rd anniversary of the establishment of the Nepali Army.
At the outset, I express my sincere gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh Army, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, for accepting our invitation to be our Chief Guest this evening.
I would also like to thank you all for taking the time to join us today.
Distinguished Guests, and Dear Friends
The history of Nepali Army is rooted in the unification campaigns that started in the mid eighteenth century, laying the foundations of a sovereign, unified, and modern Nepal.
So, this Army Day marks the birth of a national institution that stands as an epitome of bravery, unwavering dedication, and service to the nation.
It is not only a reminder of a defining moment in our history, but also an occasion to honour the deep sense of duty and patriotism of our soldiers.
We know, a country’s history is not merely the sum of the acts of a single individual or institution. Yet, some are call called upon to bear a special share, by their design or by their function.
In our case, since its inception 263 years ago, the Nepali Army has been a steadfast symbol of national unity, sovereignty, and pride.
They have always safeguarded Nepal’s independence and territorial integrity, ensured the nation was never colonized, and inspired confidence among its people.
Beyond defense, as first responders, our soldiers have saved countless lives during times of crisis, including natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides.
They have also made significant contributions to Nepal’s socio-economic development including through development of vital infrastructure.
On the international stage, the Nepali Army has helped restore peace and stability in conflict-affected countries, while enhancing Nepal’s image as a responsible and peace-loving nation.
Currently, Nepal is the largest troops and police contributing country to UN peacekeeping operations. Since 1958, our peacekeepers have always served with distinction in the world’s most difficult conflict situations.
Excellencies, and Dear Friends,
I am happy to note that cooperation between the armed forces of Nepal and Bangladesh continues to grow.
High-level military exchanges have bolstered defence cooperation.
In addition, exchange of training opportunities, capacity development, and joint exercises have further strengthened the camaraderie between our forces.
As leading troops and police sending countries to UN peacekeeping, the Armies of our two countries play a crucial role in promoting global peace and security.
I will not delve into the further specifics as they have already been shared with you by Military Attaché Brig. Gen. Khatri in his remarks. However, I would like to take this moment to express my gratitude to the Bangladesh Armed Forces for their continued cooperation and collaboration with the Nepali Army.
Before I conclude, I am pleased to inform you that, following the elections held earlier this month - approximately six months after the Gen-Z protests - a new government has been formed in Nepal today under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Mr. Balendra Shah.
This marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s democratic journey, as the new government receives a renewed mandate from the people to address key national priorities, including economic development, good governance, and social inclusion.
As both our countries have successfully navigated political transitions following the youth-led movements, I am confident that the enduring bonds of friendship between Nepal and Bangladesh, including our military cooperation, will continue to flourish in the days ahead.
আজকের অনুষ্ঠানে আপনাদের সদয় উপস্থিতির জন্য আমি আবারও আপনাদেরকে কৃতজ্ঞতা জানাতে চাই।
আমাদের সশস্ত্র বাহিনীর মধ্যে সহযোগিতা আরও সমৃদ্ধ হোক।
আপনাদের সবাইকে অনেক অনেক ধন্যবাদ।
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