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

Navy Chief Muhammad Farid Habib and Air Chief Abu Eshrar adorned Abu Belal with the rank badge of General at Gono Bhaban in presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Welcoming the new army chief, the PM said Bangladesh Army is the pride of the countrymen. The military has been playing significant role in tackling aftermaths of natural calamities and consequent humanitarian aids apart from safeguarding country's independence and sovereignty.

The prime minister also said her government has been sincerely working to build the armed force a modern and international standard professional force, and it will continue in future as well.

"We are a victorious nation in the liberation war and Bangladesh Army has been established during the liberation war," Hasina said, and expressed hopes 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, keeping unwavering confidence on the constitution and the government, says a PMO press release.

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 Guard of Honour at the Senakunja. He also placed floral wreaths at Shikha Anirban at Dhaka Cantonment paying rich tributes to those armed forces personnel killed in the liberation war of Bangladesh. 

Gen Bhuiyan made best wishes to his successor and other army personnel present at the handing over ceremony and sought blessings for him. As per the ritual, Gen Bhuiyan was given farewell in a motorcade.