In a proud and historic moment for Bangladesh, Officer Cadet Sakib Ahsan Rifat of the Bangladesh Army has become the first Bangladeshi ever to be awarded the prestigious International Sword of Honour at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).
The honour was conferred by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, during the Sovereign’s Parade and Commissioning Ceremony held today at the world-famous British officer training academy in Camberley, Surrey.
Officer Cadet Sakib, a member of the **89 BMA Long Course, not only received the International Sword of Honour – awarded to the top-performing overseas cadet – but also clinched the International Award, making him the standout international cadet among nearly 200 officer cadets from 40 countries in his intake.
The International Sword of Honour is one of the most prestigious accolades at Sandhurst and is presented to the overseas cadet who demonstrates exceptional leadership, military skills, academic excellence, and overall performance throughout the intensive 44-week commissioning course.
This unprecedented double achievement marks the first time in Bangladesh’s 54-year history that a Bangladeshi officer cadet has won the International Sword of Honour, placing the Bangladesh Army alongside elite militaries of the world on Sandhurst’s roll of honour.
Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman and the entire Bangladesh Army have extended heartfelt congratulations to Officer Cadet Sakib Ahsan Rifat, describing the feat as “a monumental milestone that fills every Bangladeshi with immense pride.”
Defence circles in Dhaka say the achievement will further strengthen Bangladesh’s growing reputation in international military training and cooperation, and is expected to inspire the next generation of officers in the Bangladesh Armed Forces.