Gen Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq takes over as army chief

Newly appointed Army Chief General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq yesterday took over charge of the force from outgoing chief Gen Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan.

Navy Chief Vice Admiral Muhammad Farid Habib and Air Chief Air Marshal Abu Esrar adorned Abu Belal with the rank badge of general at Gono Bhaban in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the same day.  

Welcoming the new army chief, Hasina said besides safeguarding country's independence and sovereignty, Bangladesh Army has been playing a significant role in tackling aftermaths of natural calamities.

The prime minister hoped that the armed forces would move forward with the spirit of the Liberation War.

Speaking on the occasion, Gen Belal said Bangladesh Army would be working for the development of the country as per the guidelines of the prime minister, according to a press release of the PMO.

Gen Belal succeeded Gen Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan who handed over the charge to him through a simple ceremony at the Army Headquarters.

Earlier in the morning, Gen Bhuiyan was given a guard of honour. He also placed wreaths at Shikha Anirban at Dhaka Cantonment paying rich tributes to armed forces personnel killed in the Liberation War of Bangladesh.