CA highlights importance of peace

Noting that war is always an expensive affair, Chief Adviser (CA) Prof Muhammad Yunus laid emphasis on designing Bangladesh's overall strategy, keeping hands always extended towards peace with required preparation in place, reports UNB. "In this situation, we have to design our overall strategy. We must always extend our hand towards peace. But we must also be prepared."

He also said the economy is in a weak state, and Bangladesh has not yet been able to develop into a country with a strong economy. Due to the waywardness of the previous government, whatever was there has also been looted.

The CA said these while addressing the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) personnel after observing an exercise at the BAF Base Bir Uttam AK Khandker in the capital on Wednesday.

Prof Yunus said he is a person against any war in the world, but people live in a world where war threat surrounds them. "It becomes impossible to remain unprepared (in such a situation), and not getting prepared is suicidal."

"And if you have to prepare, there is no room for half-preparedness. This is such a situation, victory is the only option. Defeat cannot be an option here. So, we must try to take our preparations to the highest level."

Watching the BAF exercise, the CA said this increases courage. "Not only the courage to fight, but our children can prepare so well and help face difficult problems."

BAF's annual exercise 'Akash Bijoy 2025' commenced on April 23. As part of this exercise, several important segments were incorporated into a final integrated exercise (LIVEX), which was successfully showcased on Wednesday, according to ISPR.

The CA graced the event as the chief guest and observed the exercise. Following the event, he participated in an interactive session with the BAF members.

Chief of Air Staff of BAF Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan expressed his deep gratitude to the CA for his presence, which significantly boosted the morale and inspired the members of the force.

The government's advisers, the chiefs of Army and Navy, civil and military high officials and other distinguished guests attended the event.

Under the directives of Air Headquarters, all bases and units of BAF are actively participating in the exercise deploying various types of fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, radars, and other air defence elements along with associated units.

Additionally, selected representatives from Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh Police, Fire Service and Civil Defence, and Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) have also participated in the exercise.