CA asks Armed Forces officers to uphold country's image abroad

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BHATIARI (Chittagong), Dec 24 (BSS/UNB): Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed Wednesday urged the newly commissioned officers of the Armed Forces to uphold Bangladesh's image in the world as a promising, developing and peace-loving country and its internationally-acclaimed role in protecting peace and security across the world.
Dr Fakhruddin gave the call while addressing the combined President's Parade at the Bangladesh Military Academy Parade Ground here to mark the passing out of cadets of army, navy and air force.
The Chief Adviser also called upon the officers to remain prepared in discharging the sacred duties of protecting the country's independence and sovereignty.
"You are going to start your career today as proude officers of Bangladesh Armed Forces attaining commission after a long hard training. So the first and foremost goal of your life would be to safeguard the country's independence, sovereignty and national security even by sacrificing the last drop of your blood."
The Chief Adviser reviewed the smartly turned out parade and took salute of the impressive march past. He also distributed awards among the cadets who gave excellent performances during the training. Advisers, chiefs of the three services, diplomats, high-level civil and military officials were present, among others, on the occasion.
Chief of Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sarwar Jahan Nizam and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman received the Chief Adviser as he entered the BMA parade ground escorted by ceremonial ride.
Cadets of the army, navy and air force completed the two- year training at their respective institutes and jointly participated in the President's parade.
A total of 182 cadets have been commissioned in the Bangladesh Armed Forces, of which 133 from the Army, 22 midshipmen from the Navy and 27 flight cadets from the Air Force. Of the total, 26 are female officers.
Adjutant of the Academy Major Syed Ashiqur Rahman commanded the spectacular parade. The cadets took formal oath and were adorned with the rank badges.
Battalion senior under officer Md Zunaed Uddin Shah Chowdhury was adjudged as the best all round cadet of the 59th BMA long course and awarded the coveted 'Sword of Honour' from the army.
In Navy, Midshipman Mehedi Hasan was awarded the coveted 'Sword of Honour' for his best performance while flight cadet under officer Mohammad Saifur Rahman received the same.
The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh had been identified in the international arena as a liberal democratic country.
He said the members of Bangladesh Armed Forces have earned acclamation worldwide in protecting peace and security in international arena. "You have to uphold this position of the armed forces", he added.
Dr Fakhruddin said the members of the armed forces are the sons of the soil and inseparable part of the country's population. They are equal partners in sorrow and happiness of the people, he added.
The Chief Adviser said the unique role of the patriotic armed forces in the liberation war would be written in golden letters.