Govt wants well-equipped, strong Armed Forces: PM

Terming the Armed Forces the symbol of the country's unity and sovereignty, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Thursday that her government wants skilled, disciplined, well-equipped and strong Armed Forces, reports UNB. "Our government has a very clear and transparent stance about the Armed Forces, and we want skilled, disciplined, well-equipped and strong Armed Forces," she said. The Prime Minister was addressing the Regimental Commanders' Conference-2013 of Bangladesh Army at Rajshahi Cantonment. High Military officials were present on the occasion. Hasina also assured the senior military officials that as head of the government and Defence Minister she is alert and aware about her government's duties and responsibilities towards the Armed Forces. She also expressed her firm belief that the members of the Armed Forces would perform their sacred duty of protecting the sovereignty of the country and upholding the dignity of the nation with deep patriotism and integrity. Expressing her high hope that the Armed Forces and the Bangladesh Army would be built as a skilled organisation like a national resource based on their self entity, she said, "The Armed Forces would emerge as a firm 'institution' and it will be operated as per its own laws, rules and regulations." The Prime Minister said the Bangladesh Infantry Regiment, Rajshahi (BIRR) is one of the important and traditional regiments of Bangladesh Army which has been playing a vital role in national life through professional efficiency and high standard of training since its inception in 2001. She said, "As commanders of this regiment, you've great responsibility…the great responsibility of protecting the sovereignty and national dignity is bestowed upon you and it's my firm belief that you would discharge your duties with firm determination and be engaged round the clock for enriching the pride and tradition of the regiment gradually through your relentless efforts, hard labour and dutifulness," Sheikh Hasina said innovating power, transparent outlook, mutual respects, brotherhood and strict discipline are a must for the development of the regiment, and hoped that the regiment through their professional efficiency will earn more reputation for the nation. Apart from standing beside the countrymen during their needs, the contributions of this BIRR are recognised internationally as well, she added. Hasina said the reputation of Bangladesh Army has now expanded to the international arena. For its high level professionalism Bangladesh is now one of the biggest peacekeeper-sending countries in the world, she added. The premier went on: "It is a matter of pride for the nation that country's Armed Forces are performing their duties with utmost efficiency and upholding their goodwill in peace keeping missions across the globe." The Prime Minister said after assuming office, her government has established transparency, accountability and discipline in all fields as it established the voting rights of the common people. To make the war of independence fruitful and reach its benefits to the doorstep of common people, she said everyone would have to take the responsibility to this end. Mentioning that over some 5,691 elections at different tiers were held during the tenure of the present government with some 63,909 public representatives being elected, the Prime Minister claimed that each and every election was held in a free, fair and neutral manner and no allegation was raised against any of these elections. "Such peaceful elections were not held during the tenure of any government in the past and there was no post-election violence," she added. Hasina said the Election Commission has been strengthened apart from ensuring its financial autonomy while environment has been created so that the Commission could work freely and fairly. She also highlighted various successes of her government in education, health, agriculture, social safety net, power generation, poverty alleviation, infrastructure development and advancement in building Digital Bangladesh. BSS adds: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Thursday highly commended Bangladesh Infantry Regiment (BIR) saying their jobs at home and abroad have brightened the image of Bangladesh Army as well as the nation. She said BIR members are playing a praiseworthy role for protecting the country's security. Apart from this, in any national crisis they are standing beside people and actively working with them to overcome the situation. The Prime Minister said this while handing over the National Standard to the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th battalions of Bangladesh Infantry Regiment (BIR) at Bangladesh Infantry Regiment Centre (BIRC) in Rajshahi Cantonment here. She hoped that the patriotic members of BIR would be able to actively contribute to nation building through enriching efficiency and professionalism in their service life. The National Standard was given to the four battalions for their efficiency, hard exercise and sincerity as well as recognition of their valuable contribution to Bangladesh Army and national development. The Prime Minister said the government has taken a master plan for expansion and development of the Rajshahi Cantonment in a planned manner. Steps were also taken to build a big academic block to facilitate the BIR members to have quality training from the centre, she said. An attractive parade was held on the occasion at Shaheed Colonel Anis Parade Ground. On her arrival at the parade ground, Chief of Army Staff General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Area Commander of Bogra and Papa Bir of the regiment received the Prime Minister. A smartly-turned out contingent of BIR gave her salute. In an open jeep, the Prime Minister reviewed the parade. Chief of Army Staff General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan and parade commander Lieutenant Colonel Md. Amzad Hossain accompanied the Prime Minister at that time. Ministers, PM's advisers, parliament members, chiefs of three services, high civil and military officials and diplomats of different countries were present on the occasion. Terming national flag the symbol of independence, sovereignty and dignity, the Prime Minister said, it is the responsibility of all to uphold the dignity of the national flag. . The Prime Minister mentioned that female members along with their male colleagues are equally contributing to protect independence and sovereignty of the country. In this regard, she said, inclusion of female cadets in 47th BMA Long Course was a time-befitting and epoch making decision of her government during previous tenure. Sheikh Hasina said her government has finalised the 'Forces Goal-2030' and is making its constant efforts for modernisation of Bangladesh Army in light of that goal. She said the Bangladesh Infantry Regiment in Rajshahi was established with the East Bengal Regiment keeping in mind the vast areas of the works of the infantry force. Work on construction of country's first indoor firing range in Rajshahi is progressing fast, Sheikh Hasina said, adding it would help increase the performance of the army in fire weapon. Later, the Prime Minister placed a wreath at Bir Gourav, built in memory of the martyred soldiers of Bangladesh Infantry Regiment in the war of liberation.