The Bangladesh Army will rise to a higher position in the world in the next seven years if the Forces Goal 2030 can be achieved within the timeframe, Army Chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed said on Tuesday.
“Bangladesh's defence policy was formulated according to foreign policy, which is why we are not an aggressive army,” he said. “But if someone is aggressive against us, we can give a proper response. We are always ready to serve the nation as per the government's instructions.”
Addressing reporters after observing the winter exercise of the Bangladesh Army at Savar Military Farm in the afternoon, Gen Shafiuddin said: “War policies are changing around the world with the advancement of modern technology. Hence, we are developing our army with the inclusion of modern technology and regular training on modern warfare doctrine.”
'Hard training, easy fighting'
The Army chief explained that battlefield strategies and weapons were constantly changing worldwide. “For example, drones and missiles are being used randomly in the Russia-Ukraine war. Keeping these things in mind, necessary arrangements are being made for the army.”
Gen Shafiuddin said the army was giving more importance to training than at any time in the past; winter exercises have been completed two years in a row, which had never happened before.
He said they were giving the utmost importance to training, keeping in mind the concept of “hard training, easy fighting”.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also directed us to speed up training programs. The premier said not to give any concession regarding training,” he added.
Gen Shafiuddin said they always think about the local people so that crops are not harmed because of the training. The army also gives humanitarian aid to locals.
The army chief on Tuesday distributed warm clothes while a medical team gave free treatment to underprivileged people.
All soldiers will return to their respective barracks after the winter training on January 6.
“To boost the country's production, Bangladesh Army is also harvesting crops, cultivating fish and raising cattle in the barren fields of all cantonment areas to implement the prime minister's directives to cultivate every inch of land of the country,” he added.
Lieutenant General Ataul Hakim Sarwar Hasan, Chief of General Staff (CGS) of Bangladesh Army, Lieutenant General Mohammad Saiful Alam, Quartermaster General, Lieutenant General Ahmed Tabrez Shams, General Officer Commanding of the Army Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Md Jubayer Salehin, Engineer-in-Chief at the Bangladesh Army, and other high officials were present during the press conference.
Alamgir Hossain, general secretary of the Defense Journalist Association of Bangladesh (DJAB), made some remarks on the journalists' behalf. DJAB Joint General Secretary Tariqul Islam Masum, Executive Committee Member Ali Asif Shawon, and Member Kazi Shohag, among others, were also present.
Success in UN missions
The army chief also spoke of the success of the Bangladesh Army in becoming the highest contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
“This happened due to professionalism, honesty, dedication and rigorous training,” he said.
“The army personnel are separated for a certain time before they are sent to the UN missions. After that, another specialized training is provided just three months before their departure,” the top army official added.
About the ongoing winter exercise, Gen Shafiuddin said: “This year's training is almost successful in all aspects.”
Replying to a query, he said: “Before taking charge, I said that I would increase transparency in the army and I have done it. Beside this, I have reduced the army's distance from the people and the media workers.”
