DEHRADUN: Mohammed Abir Hassan23, of Bangladeshwas beaming with pride while graduating from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) as he became the first officer cadet (OC) from his country to achieve the feat. He was among the 29 OCs from 12 friendly countries to graduate from the academy on Saturday.
Hassan’s late grandfather Mohammed Taju Mia, fought for the country’s independence in 1971 as a fighter of Mukti Bahinia ‘guerilla resistance movement’ comprising members of the military, paramilitary and civilians in the then-East Pakistan against the Pakistani forces.
He told TOI: “My dream came true today. What has added to my joy is that I’m also the first in my family to become an army officer. If alive, my grandfather would have been proud of me.”
The young officer from Dhaka, however, expressed a little disappointment as his family members couldn’t visit Dehradun to witness the moment due to his sister’s class 12 exams.
“I managed to speak to them yesterday over the phone. I will celebrate this success once I return home,” he added.
Defence attache at the Bangladesh high commission, Brig Mohammed Hafiz-Ur-Rehman, present at the event, termed it “a matter of immense pride for our country”. “The fact that he has become the first from Bangladesh to graduate from IMA would prove to be another step in strengthening our friendly ties with India. We’re hopeful that there will be more cadets in future,” he said.
Hassan’s late grandfather Mohammed Taju Mia, fought for the country’s independence in 1971 as a fighter of Mukti Bahinia ‘guerilla resistance movement’ comprising members of the military, paramilitary and civilians in the then-East Pakistan against the Pakistani forces.
He told TOI: “My dream came true today. What has added to my joy is that I’m also the first in my family to become an army officer. If alive, my grandfather would have been proud of me.”
The young officer from Dhaka, however, expressed a little disappointment as his family members couldn’t visit Dehradun to witness the moment due to his sister’s class 12 exams.
“I managed to speak to them yesterday over the phone. I will celebrate this success once I return home,” he added.
Defence attache at the Bangladesh high commission, Brig Mohammed Hafiz-Ur-Rehman, present at the event, termed it “a matter of immense pride for our country”. “The fact that he has become the first from Bangladesh to graduate from IMA would prove to be another step in strengthening our friendly ties with India. We’re hopeful that there will be more cadets in future,” he said.
