Stay alert to face internal, external threats

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addresses the flag-raising ceremony of nine units under 17 Infantry Division of the Bangladesh Army at Jalalabad Cantonment in Sylhet yesterday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the Bangladesh Army to always remain ready to face any threat both from internal or external sources to protect the sacred constitution and sovereignty of the motherland. The prime minister said this while addressing the flag-raising ceremony of nine units, including the newly-established headquarters of 11 Infantry Brigade, under 17 Infantry Division of the Bangladesh Army at Jalalabad Cantonment. She raised the flags of the nine units under the 17 Infantry Division. Hasina expressed her firm belief that each and every member of this newly formed brigade and units will work shoulder to shoulder to boost the strength of this division imbued with patriotism. “Considering the overall security of the country, formation of a special force at brigade level is under the active consideration of the government,” she said. Terming Bangladesh Army the asset of this country as well as a symbol of confidence and trust of people, Hasina said, “That’s why to attain the standard of professionalism, you all have to be skilled professionally, and have honest and gracious adopting the spirit of social and religious values.” She also asked the army personnel to perform their duties sincerely keeping the confidence in higher leadership, mutual trust, empathy, brotherhood, dutifulness, responsibility and above all maintaining the discipline.

The prime minister said in the current tenure of the government the training, arms, equipment and manpower of Bangladesh Army has been upgraded in an unprecedented manner.

She said state of the art modern tanks, cannons, missile system, anti-tank missiles as well as fighter planes and helicopters in army aviation have added new dimension to the army.

Besides, Hasina said, huge changes have been made in the organisational structure of the army. A composite brigade has been formed for the construction of related infrastructure of Padma Bridge and its security, she added.

Hasina mentioned that work has started to constitute a riverine brigade in Mithamoin and said the government has given approval in principle to formation of an infantry division at Lebukhali Cantonment near the Payra River in between Barisal and Patuakhali districts.

The prime minister said her government established a new infantry division and a number of brigades as part of strengthening the defence system and development and expansion of army after assuming of office for the second term.

She said the government has constructed mess-houses for the accommodation of soldiers of all ranks as well as built SM Barrack for them.

Earlier, the prime minister took salute from a smartly turned out contingent of the 17 Infantry Division of Army.

After the parade, she laid the foundation stones of eight projects, including division headquarters, at Sylhet Cantonment.

Earlier on her arrival at the venue, the prime minister was received by Army Chief General Abu Belal Mohammad Shafiul Huq and GOC of the 17 Infantry Division and area commander of Sylhet Area Maj Gen Anowarul Momen.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, PM’s Security Adviser Maj Gen (retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddiq, Army Chief General Abu Belal Mohammad Shafiul Huq, Quarter Master General of Bangladesh Army Lt Gen Anwar Hossain, PM’s Military Secretary Mia Mohammad Joynul Abedin and high civil and military officials were present on the occasion.

Source: The Daily Star