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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hoped that Bangladesh Army personnel will serve the country sincerely with professional skills and dutifulness being inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War and the ideals of the Father of the Nation, reports BSS.
She said, "I firmly believe that army members, being inspired by the Liberation War spirit and Bangabandhu's ideals, will serve the country sincerely with a combination of hard practice, professional skills and dutifulness showing unwavering trust and complete loyalty to the leadership."
Sheikh Hasina said this at the flag-raising ceremony of Head Quarters 71 Mechanized Brigade, 15 and 40 East Bengals (Mechanized), 9 and 11 Bangladesh Infantry Regiments (Mechanized) held at CMP Centre and School in Savar Cantonment on Thursday.
She joined the ceremony virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in the capital.
On behalf of the prime minister, Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed hoisted the flag. He also gave a vote of thanks.
The bridge and regiments also gave a state salute to the prime minister.
Hasina said, "This country is ours. Therefore, we will build this motherland in such a way that none in the world can devalue Bangladesh. We will walk as a victorious nation with having our heads high."
At the outset of the ceremony, a video documentary on the mechanized brigade and regiments was screened.
Earlier, the premier witnessed an orderly and graceful parade demonstrated by the members of different brigades and regiments of the Bangladesh Army.
Sheikh Hasina said the army has always stood by the people during any calamity in the country.
She also mentioned the army's commendable role in the recent flash floods in Sylhet, Sunamganj and Netrakona districts and sincerely extended her gratitude to all the members of this force.
Army personnel have played a leading role in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic through "Operation Covid Shield".
Regarding the mechanization of brigades and battalions, Sheikh Hasina said the Bangladesh Army's infantry brigades and a significant number of infantry battalions have been mechanized to achieve specific objectives.
Mentioning that in the future few more mechanized brigades and mechanized battalions will be established in the army, she said, "I strongly believe that if this plan is implemented, the capability and excellence of the army will be enhanced further."
The prime minister hoped that the incorporation of these mechanized units will add a new dimension and play an important role in national security and tackling threats.
Since ancient times, she said it has been customary to carry the "flag" as a symbol of national status on the battlefield.
Highlighting that the flag is a symbol of the nation's freedom, sovereignty, honour and dignity, she said, "Therefore, it is the sacred duty of every soldier to protect the honour of the flag and the country."
Sheikh Hasina said in 1973, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman incorporated the then state-of-the-art supersonic MiG-21 fighter jets, helicopters, transport aircraft, air defence radar etc into the air force and formulated a defence policy in 1974.
But unfortunately, after the brutal killing of Bangabandhu and most of his family members, the allies of the defeated powers of 1971 stigmatized the glorious history of independence and hindered the progress of the country's development, she added.
After 21 long years, she said Awami League formed the government in 1996 and presented the accurate history of the War of Liberation to the new generation.
She also highlighted the various initiatives taken by her government to modernize the military.
Hasina said in 1998, they established the National Defense College and Military Institute of Science and Technology, while Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operations Training and Armed Forces Medical College in 1999.
"We were the first to recruit women officers in the Army, Navy and Air Force in 2000," she mentioned.
After assuming power again in 2009, Sheikh Hasina said they are taking and implementing short, medium and long-term plans to establish an up-to-date military force with technological knowledge.
She said the government is modernizing, expanding and developing the Army, Navy and Air Force through the implementation of "Forces Goal-2030".
She mentioned that they have established Aerospace and Aviation University and converted the CMHs into state-of-the-art hospitals.
The prime minister said that her government has established 17 infantry divisions in Sylhet, 10 infantry divisions in Ramu and 7 infantry divisions in Barisal to strengthen the defence system of the country.
In the last four years, 3 brigades and 58 small/large units under various formations have been established, while 27 small/large units have been formed as ad hoc and 9 organizations have been restructured, she added.
Besides, Sheikh Russel cantonment has recently been established in Mawa-Jazira, while new cantonments are in progress in Mithamoin, Rajbari and Trishal, she said.
In addition, the construction of Army Aviation Forward Bases at Chattogram and Cox's Bazar as well as the Aviation School at Lalmonirhat is also in progress, she added.
She said that her government has introduced a new composite brigade and para commando brigade in the army as well.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
