In the military, there is a sacred creed: No one gets left behind. This is not just a battlefield principle—it is a living, dynamic, breathing ethos that, to my sincere conviction, defines our armed forces. Many of us old-timers have experienced it numerous times, and most recently, it happened to me again. My latest experience began as an ordinary academic visit to BNS Sher-e-Bangla. I was invited to deliver a keynote speech at this remote naval base's Navy Training and Doctrine Command (NATDOC). What followed was a medical emergency that nearly claimed my life—and an extraordinary demonstration of the highest naval tradition of camaraderie and military brotherhood that saved it.   The incident occurred on 19 April 2025, a beautiful sunny Saturday morning at the newly established BNS Sher-e-Bangla, a naval base of the Bangladesh Navy located in Patuakhali in the southern coastal region of Bangladesh. This base, strategically significant due to its location and part of the Navy's modernization initiative, played a crucial role in the swift response to the medical emergency. Based on this incident, this short article illustrates the impressive inter-service coordination among the Bangladesh Navy, Army, and Air Force, each with unique capabilities that transformed a tragedy into a triumph. 

The Crisis Unfolds

After twenty minutes of my scheduled twenty-five-minute speech, I started sweating. A gradual increase in the tightening of my chest was felt. My brain was aware of the surroundings, and my legs still bore my weight without faltering. My lips were busy making a running commentary on the gradual change of my physical condition to my colleagues, shifting me to the nearby navy hospital/sickbay. Still, my tongue was mainly quiet yet moist with the remembrance of Allah. I badly needed the relief of the uncomfortable agonies of my physical heart with the tranquility of my spiritual heart. To me, as a believer, it was only possible through His remembrance, as the Almighty Allah said: Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. [Qur’an 13:28].

Though the consciousness was not compromised, the restlessness was in the increase. I kept noticing several hands either standing by or already holding me with love and care, not to let my body hit the ground—double and single brass, my senior and junior colleagues, all in whites, naval officers proactively reacting to make sure that I don’t collapse. The base’s medical team was ordered to rush me to the sickbay, but the severity of my condition demanded advanced care. I was in a remote location, hours from a major hospital such as Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Dhaka, with time running out. And I was constantly remembering the simple yet powerful assertive verse of the Qur’an, which is repeated at least three times. The phrase  (Kullu nafsin dha'iqatul mawt), meaning “Every soul shall taste death,” appears three times in the Qur'an. The verse serves as a reminder of the inevitability of death and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter.

The Chain of Miracles: Navy, Air Force, Army in Unison

In the aftermath of the 5th August 2024 and the beginning of the functioning of the interim government, there are many cases of maligning the military, their readiness, commitment, patriotism, etcetera through repeated schemes by fifth columnists and the remnants of the fallen fascists from within and without. But as for my real story, what unfolded next was a remarkable display of military efficiency, compassion, empathy, and inter-service unity. The swift and decisive actions of the armed forces in this crisis should reassure the public and our citizens from every walks of life about the competence and readiness of our patriotic armed forces.

The Navy’s Swift Decision: The Navy leadership on the spot immediately alerted my case to the Naval Headquarters.  Within minutes, the Chief of Naval Staff sanctioned an emergency helicopter evacuation, without bureaucratic delays, prioritizing life over protocol.

The Air Force’s Seamless Partnership: As I was told, a naval helicopter from Chittagong was facing unfavourable weather conditions to fly a rescue mission to Patuakhali. The request for a medical evacuation using the Bangladesh Air Force helicopter was made and seamlessly granted.

No delays. No jurisdictional debates: The Air Force’s top brass mobilized a chopper, crew, and a specialist medical team from the CMH within record time. It is to maintain the medical protocol of carrying the emergency medical team and flying to rescue me. 

CMH Dhaka: The Final Guard

Upon landing at Dhaka Air Base, the CMH emergency medical team, equipped with a specialized ambulance, rushed to the emergency care unit. The difference is that the balance between life and long-term catastrophe relies on the precise diagnostics provided by the specialists and senior cardiologists at CMH and the skilled CCU team's immediate intervention and ongoing monitoring. The dedicated CCU team's commitment, advanced monitoring, and life-saving techniques were crucial to my recovery. 

The Unspoken Message: Why This Matters Beyond One Life 

Once you reflect then you realize that this was not just a rescue. It was a powerful testament to at least three truths often overshadowed by biased politics or prejudiced bureaucracy:

1. The Armed Forces’ Brotherhood is Unbroken: Despite a few incidents of misconduct and malpractices by some disgruntled officers during the past regime, the core ethos—that no comrade is expendable—remains ironclad.

2. Leadership That Acts, Not Just Speaks: From junior officers to the top echelon, the service chiefs made decisions in their respective jurisdictions in seconds, not minutes. This decisiveness safeguards our nation.

3. A System That Works When It Matters: In a country where crises often expose institutional gaps, such as coordination and readiness, the military’s inter-service coordination, medical readiness, and operational discipline set a gold standard, demonstrating their crucial role in national crisis management.

A Call to Honor Our Protectors

To the officers, sailors, airmen, and soldiers of the Bangladesh Navy, Air Force, and Army: You have given me more than a second chance at life and provided the nation with proof that your unity is unshakable and your professionalism unmatched. Salute to you all! Serving the nation and the beloved Navy for 39 years, 2 months, and 25 days has been invaluable for me, and your steadfast support stands as an exemplar for others to emulate your extraordinary example.

To the skeptics: Let my story remind you and strengthen your resolve that while no institution is perfect, the men and women in uniform are often among the best of us.

To the editors: I share this not for sympathy, but because authentic narratives like this fortify the national spirit and increase esprit de corps. In an era of disinformation, misinformation, biased narratives, intrigues, and political divisions, creating artificial divisions in the world’s best harmonious society of the Bangladeshi community, the armed forces’ ability to rise above differences and save lives is a lesson for all the patriotic citizens of this excellent abode named Bangladesh.

Why This Article Matters for Publication: At least I’d like to mention these three points as to why I wanted to share this article with you:

1. Humanize the military institution beyond headlines by showcasing their compassion, commitment, and competence. 2. To counteract toxic narratives with a compelling personal account of solidarity. 3. As a veteran military officer, I humbly endeavor to reinforce public trust in institutions critical to national security on time. 

Conclusion

“For while an angered man may again be happy, and a resentful man again be pleased, a state that has perished cannot be restored, nor can the dead be brought back to life…” (Sun Tzu). These ominous words of the classical Chinese strategist should suffice for each of us to stop dividing society through intentional or even unintentional selfish, petty gain.

As I write this article from the officers’ ward of the CMH while recovering, my gratitude is eclipsed only by one conviction: Bangladesh’s sovereignty is secure so long as this brotherhood stands, as the holy Qur’an asserts: Truly Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure. [61:4]. May Bangladesh live long! May our people and the Armed Forces maintain a mutual love, respect, and caring relationship! May the people and our armed forces stand united as a solid, cemented unit when the nation needs it the most!

 

Writer: Commodore Syed Misbah Uddin Ahmad, (C), NUP, ndc, afwc, psc, BN (retd), Director General, Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD). Email: misbah28686@gmail.com