BD must have counter-attack capability: PM

Terming Bangladesh a peaceful country in South Asia and it never wants to attack any country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Bangladesh must have the capability of carrying out counter-attack to protect its independence and sovereignty if it is attacked by any enemy. She made the remarks while delivering her introductory speech at a meeting with officials of the Defence Ministry at Sher-e-Banglanagar in the city on Sunday. She said the main responsibility of the Defence Ministry is to protect the country's independence and sovereignty, and her government has been working to strengthen and modernise the defence system to this end. The Prime Minister, who also holds the Defence Ministry portfolio, said initiatives have been taken to reform and modernise three services under Forces Goal 2030 in light of the Defennce Policy formulated in 1974 as per directives of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mijibur Rahman. Laying emphasis on upholding the country’s dignity and image, Hasina said various organisations under the Defence Ministry will have to work in a coordinated manner. Referring to the country’s huge sea boundary and water resources, she said Bangladesh won the case against Myanmar in an international court opening up the door of huge potential for water resources, according to UNB.