PM commits to Freedom Fighters' welfare

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated her commitment to safeguarding the welfare of freedom fighters, calling the Liberation War the "greatest episode" in Bangladesh's history. "The country was liberated due to the great sacrifice of the freedom fighters and their invaluable contribution to establishing Bangladesh as a dignified nation in the world," the PM told a reception on the occasion of Armed Forces Day 2016. "I will continue to do whatever is necessary for their welfare, and that of their successors." The prime minister dedicated the reception to the successors of Birshreshthos and the highest gallantry award-recipient freedom fighters, at the Armed Forces Division at Dhaka Cantonment Monday morning. Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division (AFD) Lt Gen Md Mahfuzur Rahman delivered the welcome address at the function. Attendees included Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, PM's Security Advisor Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddiq, Chief of Army Staff General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Haque, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmad, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Abu Esrar, and other high civil and military officials.Freedom fighters honouredAt the reception, Sheikh Hasina distributed identity cards, the first of their kind, among the surviving armed forces gallantry award-recipient freedom fighters. She also presented honorarium cheques, and gifts including 'shwal' and mobile tabs to the successors of seven Birshreshthos as well as other gallantry award-recipients. The prime minister also handed over 'Bahini Padak' (forces medals) and 'Osamanya Seba Padak' (outstanding service medals) among five armed forces officers in recognition of their heroic roles in war and peacetime. Sheikh Hasina - the daughter of 'Father of the Nation' Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1975 - said she knows the pain of losing near and dear ones. "I'm continuing work for the welfare of the country and for all people who carry this pain in their hearts," she said. That's why we always consider those who lost their dear and near ones in the Liberation War and who were wounded and who made contribution to the war of independence as respected persons. "It is our responsibility to continue to work for their welfare."