Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said that the present government wanted to see the country's armed forces disciplined, skilled, modern and well-equipped, reports UNB.
"Our government wants to make the armed forces disciplined, skilled, modern and well-equipped and for that the government will do everything, whatever is needed," she said addressing a reception organized at Senakunja marking the Bangladesh Armed Forces Day.
Hasina asked the members of the armed forces to contribute more maintaining discipline and exercising utmost professional skill. "My prayers will be with you," she said.
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh is moving forward and will move further ahead. "We will be self-dependent and won't remain dependant on others any longer."
In this connection, she said the government has fixed 2021 for becoming a middle income country and 2041 for joining the developed nations. "We hope to reach the goals ahead of the target."
Hasina congratulated all members of the armed forces on the Armed Forces Day and conveyed her best wishes for their continued progress, peace, happiness and prosperity.
After addressing the audience, she exchanged pleasantries with the army officials and their family members, diplomats and other guests. Earlier, the Prime Minister delivered another speech at a reception accorded to the gallantry award winning freedom fighters and their successors at the Armed Forces Division premises marking the Armed Forces Day 2014.
Hasina handed over honorary cheques and mobile sets and shawls as gifts to some 59 gallantry award-winning freedom fighters and their successors, including the close relatives of the seven Bir Shrestha at the function.
She also handed over Forces Medal and Outstanding Services Medal to former and current armed forces officials for the year 2013-2014.
Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lt General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq delivered the address of welcome.
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, the chiefs of the three services and high civil and military officials were present there.
After assuming office, Hasina said, her government has taken pragmatic steps to further enhance the strength and skill of the Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy and Air Force.
She said the operations of the Armed Forces are not only today limited to Bangladesh, rather they are also brightening the country's image abroad playing a strong role in the UN Peacekeeping Missions, laying down their lives, are being lauded.
