UNB, Patuakhali :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked the members of Bangladesh Army to remain vigil to protect the country’s sacred constitution and sovereignty defying any internal and external threats.
“You’ll have to remain ready always to face any internal or external threats jointly for protecting the sacred constitution and sovereignty of the motherland,” she said. The prime minister gave the directives while addressing the inaugural function of the newly-constructed cantonment at Lebukhali in the district.
Sheikh Hasina also said the Army will have to contribute more to people’s welfare activities in the future alongside maintaining the country’s democratic and constitutional trend.
“The Army will have to keep up the trend of democracy and constitution and make greater contributions to public welfare-oriented activities,” she said. Expressing satisfaction over the establishment of an environment-friendly and modern cantonment at Lebukhali, the prime minister expressed firm optimism that members of the newly formed Division, Brigade and Units will work together with courage for the welfare of the country
and the nation being imbued with the spirit of Liberation War. She hoped that the 7th Infantry Division will become an exemplary Division to follow in terms of professional efficiency and activities of its members and it will be the most beautiful as well as an effective cantonment in Bangladesh. Hasina said the government has taken various steps to develop the patriotic and professional armed forces as the world-class modern forces. “That’s why her government took a decision in 2016 to establish the division.” Mentioning that the country’s southern region has got a new life in terms of socio-economic development following establishment of the cantonment, the Prime Minister said it has also created new hopes among people. Hasina said the patriotic Armed Forces members have achieved worldwide acceptance for their efficiency, competence and various public service-oriented activities. Praising the responsible role of the Armed Forces in protecting the people and property during disasters, she said they have set a unique example recently through extending helping hands and supports towards victims of natural calamities. Hasina said Bangladesh is now a ‘Brand Name’ in peacekeeping missions of the United Nations, and it is a matter of pride for the country.
Highly appreciating the role of Bangladesh army in rendering services to the forcibly displaced Rohigyas from Myanmar, Hasina said the services of the army personals is brightening Bangladesh’s image in the world.
She said, the armed forces have shown efficiency in building roads and infrastructures even in remote hill areas and making voter lists and machine readable passports across the country. To modernise the force, she said, sophisticated vehicles, helicopters and arms and ammunition have been inducted into it.
She said, the living standard of the army members has improved due to the sincere efforts of her government. “Modern arrangements have been made to provide better treatment from the combined military hospitals.”
Hasina expressed her firm resolve that her government will be able to turn Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021 in the golden jubilee of great independence and a developed one by 2041.
At the same function, the prime minister hoisted the national standard of the Adhoc Headquarters 7 Infantry Division of Bangladesh Army. Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon, Libeartion Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, Chief Whip of Jatiya Sangsad ASM Feroz, former army chiefs General (retd) Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan and General (retd) MA Mubin raised the national standard of the 11 headquarters and units. Ministers, MPs, the chiefs of three services, diplomats and high civil and military officials were present. The prime minister inspected a spectacular parade of the army contingents on the occasion and took state salute from a decorated dais.
