Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asserted that an unprecedented development and modernisation of the Bangladesh Armed Forces had been accomplished during the tenure of the Awami League government. She said Awami League (AL) never used the armed forces for its political interests. “Rather, the party has done everything required for building an efficient, strong and modern force.”
Addressing a reception organized at Senakunja marking the Bangladesh Armed Forces Day, the prime minister said Bangladesh Armed Forces, radiant with the spirit of the War of Liberation, are a pride for the nation.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh Armed Forces earned confidence of the people. The force has set a unique example of patriotism through its relentless stride to protect the independence and sovereignty of the country and carrying out rescue operations during natural disasters and in all internal crisis.
The prime minister said the armed forces acclaimed recognition from international arena for maintaining peace, stability and security. Through discharging their duties with sincerity and devotion, they not only brightened the image of Bangladesh, but also the image of the United Nations.
She said the government always made strides so Bangladesh can keep its position in the UN as the largest contributor of the peacekeepers. In view of this, she said the armed forces are being modernised and necessary diplomatic efforts are also ongoing.
Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, Chief Justice M Mozammel Hossain, cabinte members, chiefs of three services, members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, leaders of different political parties, professionals, diplomats, members of the elite and their spouses attended the reception.
After addressing the audience, the prime minister exchanged pleasantries with the army officials and their family members, diplomats and other guests. She also exchanged greetings with acting secretary general of BNP Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
The prime minister congratulated all members of the armed forces on the Armed Forces Day and conveyed her best wishes to them for their continuous progress, peace, happiness and prosperity.
She said the competence of the Bangladesh Armed Forces is now recognized all over the world. The force is standing on the strong foundation laid by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she said.
“Bangabandhu had dreamed of a smart and efficient armed force and initiated steps for building a modern armed force despite financial constraints after liberation,” the prime minister said.
Following the farsighted path of Bangabandhu, Sheikh Hasina said her government during its previous and present tenures has taken massive programmes for modernization of the armed forces. As part of the initiatives, reform and modernization of the three services are in progress under Forces Goal-2030, she said.
Referring to the BDR mutiny in 2009, the prime minister said the government has already completed the trial of the persons involved in the mutiny and murder. There is no second example in the world of the trial of such a big criminal offence so properly, she said adding the government never hesitated to bring all the culprits to book.
Referring to the steps taken by her government for overall development of the armed forces, the Prime Minister said, fourth generation tank MBT 2000, armoured recovery vehicles, self- propelled gun cannon, different kinds of radar were procured for enhancing operational capacity of the army.
She said, a composite brigade was established for protection and monitoring the construction work of the Padma Bridge. A new cantonment has been set up in Bandarban and the khas land in the char area of Hatiya in Noakhali was given long term lease to Bangladesh Army. Process is also going on to lease out the Char Carying.
The prime minister said, the government has also taken steps for modernization of Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force. The maritime boundary with Myanmar has already been settled through the decision of international court. Steps were taken for settlement of the maritime boundary with India next year, she said.
Sheikh Hasina said the present government has procured two offshore vessels, two large patrol craft, modern C-704 missile, two corvettes, two secretary-class ships and one oil tanker. Two maritime patrol aircraft from Germany and two helicopters from Italy were purchased. Process is going on for acquisition of submarine in the navy.
A new naval base has been inaugurated in Patuakhali while a submarine base is being constructed at Pekua, Cox’s Bazar. The old airport in Patuakhali will be handed over to Bangladesh Navy to set up a full-fledged aviation base, she said.
The prime minister said an airbase has been constructed at Cox’s Bazar to increase vigilance in the country’s southeastern region. Steps were taken to strengthen the air force technological capacity. Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre is being established to achieve self-reliance in this area, she said.
Sheikh Hasina said, the medical services for the members of the armed forces were expanded and improved during the tenure of the present government. Their service age has been increased like civil servants. Projects were taken in Dhaka, Savar, Jessore, Barisal and Patuakhali to enhance the housing facilities of the military personnel.
She said members of the armed forces are being provided with different gallantry awards, one-time allowance and grants for their good performance and bravery. The ration scale of the members of the armed forces has been elevated.
Courtesy of BSS
