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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said although Bangladesh does not want war, it must attain capabilities to protect itself from external threats and her government is building each force as capable to protect the country's independence and sovereignty.
"We don't want war, we want peace. But, we should achieve the capability to protect the country from external attack, so we can defend our independence and sovereignty. We are preparing all the forces as efficiently keeping that in mind," she said.
“Our Navy personnel are constantly ensuring the overall security of the maritime area by facing many natural challenges, which deserves appreciation,” she continued.
The premier was addressing a programme marking the induction of two maritime patrol aircraft (MPA-8322 and MPA-8327) for the Bangladesh Navy on Sunday, reports UNB and BSS.
Bangladesh Navy organised the event at Naval Aviation Hanger in Patenga, Chattogram while the PM joined virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.
Sheikh Hasina said that the government – after taking office in 2009 – transformed the Navy into a true three-dimensional force to protect the sea and the sky.
“We are building special harbours to ensure the security of the sea. I believe that induction of these two patrol aircraft will strengthen Bangladesh Navy’s aviation capability manifold,” she added.
Work is underway to build a permanent submarine base at Pekua in Cox's Bazar to provide safe jetty facilities to submarines and warships at the harbour, said the prime minister.
She said the construction work of ‘Sher-e-Bangla Base’ has progressed significantly to enhance the operational and communication facilities of naval vessels in the coastal areas of southwestern Bangladesh.
The government has worked on various infrastructural developments and procurement of warships while strengthening the operational capacity of the existing ships. It has started implementing the 'Forces Goal-2030' in light of the defence policy formulated by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she said.
The prime minister said the government has already incorporated a significant number of modern warships, helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft and submarines into the Bangladesh Navy with state-of-the-art combat equipment and technology.
She also said that the construction of a second hangar with all modern facilities for the operation and maintenance of helicopters and MPA is going on.
She said her government is working tirelessly for the socioeconomic development of the country.
"We have been able to make Bangladesh a developing country," she said, adding that Bangladesh is now becoming a role model of development in the world.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal gave the vote of thanks. A short video clip on Naval Aviation was screened at the programme.
Sheikh Hasina said that the government has also inducted two submarines – ‘BNS Navajatra’ and ‘BNS Joyjatra – in 2017.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
