Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said the leadership of the army should be placed on those who are well educated, active, efficient, and above all strongly
committed to strengthening the democracy of the country.
She made the remark in her introductory speech at the Army Headquarters Selection Board that began its session at Army Headquarters Officers’ Mess (New) in the Dhaka Cantonment.
The five-day exercise by the highest policy making officials of the Army has begun aiming to give promotion of the officials from Colonel to Brigadier General and from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel.
The Prime Minister said the army has been given the responsibility of supervising and ensuring security for the implementation of Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project.
In this regard, she mentioned that approval in principle has been given for a composite brigade comprising an engineering construction battalion and two infantry battalions for the task.
Hasina said that a disciplined, strong army plays an important auxiliary role to establish democracy and strengthen it. “So, the leadership should be placed in their hands who are well educated, active, efficient, and above all strongly committed to strengthening the democracy of the country.”
She said the senior officers of the army have gathered in the selection board and she had trust in their wisdom, sagacity and even handed justice.
The Prime Minister emphasized selecting new leadership on the basis of professional efficiency, dedication and honesty as well as belief in the spirit of the Liberation War.
In this context, she said priority will also have to be given to morally strong successful leaders for promotion taking into account disciplinary issues and considering their obedience to the higher officials as per rule.
Hasina said that a strong and disciplined professional army educated in modern technology is the symbol of independence and sovereignty of a nation.
She reminded that independence of Bangladesh and spirit of the Liberation War is the basic matter of consideration for the armed forces.
Mentioning that the government believed in development, expansion and modernization of the army, the Prime Minister said: “We’ve taken necessary, effective steps to that end.”
The process is on for the establishment of a new infantry division in Sylhet for expanding organizational and training activities, she added.
Hasina, who is also in charge of the Defense Ministry, said the present government has taken necessary, effective measures for developing the army through modernizing and expanding their facilities.
She mentioned massive development programs implemented in modernizing the country’s Armed Forces during the previous tenure of her government.
These included procuring modern MIG-29 Fighter Planes and establishment of 52 Infantry Brigade, Special Works Brigade, Composite Brigade, National Defense College, Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training, NCOs Academy, Armed Forces Medical College and Military Institute of Sciences and Technology for boosting the capacity of the armed forces.
This time, the Prime Minister said, her government added fourth generation MBT-2000, Weapon Locating Radar SLC-2, Self Propelled Gun and other avant-garde military equipments to the Armed Forces to enhance the country’s military power.
Besides, she added, agreements have been signed with Russia for purchasing more military equipments to further strengthening the capacity of the armed forces.
Hasina said that her government has set the ‘Forces Goal-2030’ as part of the reform programs and modernization of the three services.
In this regard, she mentioned that work on finalizing the organizational and manpower structure of the armed forces is progressing fast through rearrangement and revision of the Table of Organization and Equipments.
The Prime Minister said the present government has created opportunities for the army to take part in training and attain practical experience through involving them in various physical and infrastructure development programs.
She mentioned that various development projects implemented by the Army included the Hatirjheel project, Banani overpass, Zillur Rahman flyover, Mirpur-Airport link road, and Thanchi and Ruma bridge in the CHT districts.
Besides, Bangladesh Army is doing the extension work of Dhaka-Mymensingh four lane highway while they have already completed the repair work of the Meghna-Gomati Bridge, she added.
Hasina praised the role of the 9th Division of Bangladesh Army in conducting rescue operation during the Savar building collapse tragedy recently. She said the fast and successful rescue operation after such a big disaster has set an example in the world.
She mentioned the contributions of the members of the armed forces in the UN Peacekeeping Missions and said they have brightened the image of the country at international level by performing their duties with sincerity and efficiency.
The Prime Minister hoped that the senior officials of the Army, keeping them above personal likings or dislikes, would be able to select most qualified leadership on the basis of their higher education, talent and intellect.
Earlier, on her arrival at the Army Headquarters Officers Mess, the Prime Minister was received by Defense Advisor Maj Gen (rtd) Tariq Ahmed Siddique, Army Chief General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan and Principal Staff Officer Lt Gen Abu Belal Mohammad Shafiul Haque.
Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Shaikh Mohammad Wahid-uz Zaman, Defense Secretary Khondakar Asaduzzaman and Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad were present.
-With The Independent input
