Chattogram: The Presidential Parade marking the commissioning of the 88th BMA long course officer cadets was held at the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) in Bhatiari, Chattogram. The event, which featured a parade reviewed by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, saw the chief guest taking the salute from the assembled cadets.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan distributed medals and awards to cadets who demonstrated exceptional performance during their time at the academy. In a statement released by ISPR, the air chief emphasized the importance of the oath-taking ceremony, stating that the newly commissioned officers are now entrusted with the critical responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s independence and sovereignty. He further expressed confidence that the Bangladesh Army will continue to evolve as a modern, professional, and disciplined force.
The ceremony marked the commissioning of 155 officer cadets, which included 151 Bangladeshi cadets-128 males and 23 females-and four foreign cadets from Palestine. The cadets underwent three years of intensive military training to earn their commissions. Battalion Senior Under Officer Samrat Jabir was named the best all-around cadet of the 88th BMA long course and was awarded the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour.’ Additionally, Company Senior Officer Md Abdul Wadud Masum received the Army Chief gold medal, while Sergeant Mohammad Isbey from Palestine was honored with the BMA Trophy of Excellence.
During the ceremony, cadets took their formal oaths and were adorned with rank badges by their parents and guardians. The event commenced with the reception of the chief guest by the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Army Training and Doctrine Command, GOC of 24 Infantry Division, Area Commander Chattogram Area, and Commandant of BMA at the BMA Parade Ground.
The event was attended by high-ranking foreign and local civil and military officials, as well as the families and guardians of the newly commissioned officers.