More incentives for armed forces men under study: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Monday said her government is actively considering introducing a number of financial incentives and peace-medal for the members of the armed forces alongside the regular gallantry awards in recognition of their service to the nation, reports BSS. The government has a plan to introduce 'peace-medal' along with one-time endowment and monthly allowance to boost up the competence, excellence and mental strength of the members of the armed forces, she said. The Prime Minister was addressing a reception of Bangladesh Armed Forces at Senakunja here this afternoon on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day 2011. She said the government is considering introducing CSD, fair price marketing and banking facilities for the in-service members of the armed forces as well as retired ones. Speaker, Chief Justice, Chief Election Commissioner, ministers, advisers of the Prime Minister, parliament members, freedom fighters, chiefs of three services, diplomats, in-service and retired members of the armed forces and their spouses, leaders of different political parties, family members of the gallantry award recipients and distinguished persons joined the reception. The Prime Minister acclaimed the role of the security forces in protecting the country's independence and sovereignty, nation building activities and maintaining peace and stability at international level. She said members of the armed forces have already earned confidence of people for their social welfare services and set a rare example of patriotism through their service during natural disasters, rescue operation and national crisis. Referring to the present government's stride to build a Digital Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said members of the armed forces are playing a significant role to this end. They have successfully implemented the project taken for national ID card, voter ID card and machine readable passport, she said. Sheikh Hasina took the reception as an opportunity to highlight here government's programme for making a modern armed force to cope with the challenges of 21st century and said steps were taken for modern training of the armed forces members at home and abroad and acquisition of modern technology for the forces. She said her government during its tenure in 1996-2001 had established the National Defence College, Non-commissioned Officers Academy and Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation and Training. Sheikh Hasina said the Military Institute of Science and Technology, Armed Forces Medical College and Armed Forces Nursing Institute were established by her government. Mig-29, training aircraft and helicopter, four new FT-&B fighter aircraft and modern arms and ammunition were also procured by her government, she said. Listing the significant steps to modernise the armed forces, the Prime Minister said a full-fledged air force base has been set up in Cox's Bazar enabling the security forces to strengthen their vigilance on country's south and southeastern military and civil installation and maritime boundary. The Prime Minister said two maritime helicopters have already been procured for Bangladesh Navy to strengthen its surveillance capacity over our vast maritime boundary and two maritime patrol aircraft are waiting for being added to the fleet. Terming the Bangladesh Armed Forces Day as a glorious day for the nation, the Prime Minister recalled that members of army, navy and air force had launched their united attack on occupying force on this day in 1971.