Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked Bangladesh Air Force to keep a constant vigil for the security of the country's skyline as she joined a ceremony of theirs that marked induction of officers at BAF Academy Parade Ground.
The prime minister was addressing the Winter President Parade of 72 Flight Cadet Course (FCC) and Direct Entry 2015/B Officer Cadet Course of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) at BAF Academy Parade Ground on Tuesday morning.
"You are now a (great) partner of a sacred responsibility for protecting our beloved motherland. I hope that you would always remain vigil to keep free Bangladesh's air space being imbued with the spirit of the great Liberation War and true patriotism as well as remaining respectful to holy constitution," she said.
The premier noted that the newly-commissioned BAF officers were now a great partner of safeguarding the country and asked them to stay alert always to keep free Bangladesh's sky.
Earlier, the premier reviewed the smartly turned-out parade and took salute at an impressive march past as the chief guest while she also handed over trophies, certificates and flying badges among the flight cadets.
Flight Cadet Academy Under Officer Md Abu Hasan Mehedi commanded the parade, which was followed by a spectacular fly past of different BAF aircraft.
On her arrival at the scene, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Abu Esrar and Commandant of BAF Academy Air Commodore Muhammad Nazrul Islam received the premier.
Ministers, parliament members, army and navy chiefs, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, distinguished people in the region and guardians of the flight cadets were also present.
Sheikh Hasina expressed the hope that the newly-commissioned officers would properly practise the basic training they received from the Air Force Academy and continue to pursue professional development.
"You will have to turn every challenge into an opportunity and apply it in your personal and professional life," she said.
The premier reminded the new recruits that they would be the air force's future leaders which would
require them to build themselves as able successors of the force and "for this, there is no alternative to honesty, sincerity and integrity".
She said "air power" in the contemporary technology-based era brought about a revolutionary change in all types of battle and therefore "I hope you to further increase the capability of the air force through the knowledge and prudence you gained from training and mastering the new technology".
The premier particularly expressed her happiness over the lively participation of the female cadets at the spectacular parade and specially congratulated two female pilots who achieved flying badges at the ceremony saying "the country's womenfolk are advancing in all fields".
She said the country continued to witness stunning development in all sectors and "every member of the air force is a partner of this advancement".
"So you will have to work by giving the interest of the air force meaning the country above the personal interest," she said.
