Govt wants army to earn fame in world: PM

RAJSHAHI, Nov 24 (UNB): Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Thursday said the present government wants the country's army to earn fame in the world as a disciplined, skilled and modern force. She said this while addressing an army parade on the occasion of awarding the National Standard to Bangladesh Infantry Regiment (BIR) at Rajshahi Cantonment. BIR is the second regiment of the Artillery Force of Bangladesh established in 2001. Hasina said that the government has prepared the 'Forces Goal 2030' to build up a modern, efficient and well-organized force in the light of 'Vision 2021'. The Prime Minister said the Bangladesh Infantry Regiment (BIR) has become an important organ of the Bangladesh Army. Its contribution is being recognised at national and international levels. "Acquiring the excellence of receiving the National Standard is a matter of pride for every force," she said, and asked the regiment to be always ready for making sacrifice to uphold the dignity of the national flag. Hasina said that her government during its previous tenure established BIR of Bangladesh Army alongside East Bengal Regiment. Now, the regiment has become a partner of the glorious tradition of Bangladesh Army. "It's a great pleasure for me that I formally hoisted the flag of the BIR on April 21, 2001, and after ten years the regiment has been awarded the national standard." She recalled the contributions of all who had helped in the flourishing of the BIR and also the other units of Bangladesh Army. The Prime Minister said: "We feel proud of the contributions by the members of our armed forces in establishing peace in different parts of the world. They are efficiently working in the global arena and thus brightened the country's image abroad".