PM: Bangladesh Army is skilled and smarter now

The Bangladesh Army has progressed over the past decade in terms of infrastructure, strategy and technology, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said yesterday. The PM was addressing the President Parade marking the commissioning of the cadets of 75th BMA Long Course at Bangladesh Military Academy Parade Ground in Bhatiari in Chittagong on Wednesday. “The present army is much more developed, skilled and smarter due to the combination of modern training and equipment,” Sheikh Hasina said. “We have enhanced the capacity of Bangladesh Army to a large extent alongside developing its infrastructure in the last nine years.” The premier said her government had prepared Forces Goal 2030 in line with the Father of the Nation’s stated aim in 1974 to build the Army as a “strong and trained force”. She said it was a memorable day for the Bangladesh Military Academy as the cadets were commissioned as lieutenants on completion of a three-year training programme for the first time. The prime minister urged the newly-commissioned members of the Bangladesh Army to remain alert and be ready always for performing their duty. “Your first and foremost vow will be to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty even with the supreme sacrifice,” she said. “You will stand beside people and serve the country selflessly.” Hasina urged the new lieutenants to show loyalty to their senior officers and sympathy to their subordinates. She said: “The Bangladesh Army has been able to earn praises from all quarters by showing competence and professionalism while performing their duties both at home and abroad.” The prime minister said her government is working to turn the Bangladesh Military Academy into a modern institution with international standards. She also praised the Army for its role in setting up shelter camps for displaced Rohingyas, distributing relief items in a disciplined way, and preparing identity cards for them. The prime minister reviewed the smartly turned out parade and took the salute of the march past as the chief guest. She also distributed awards among the best cadets for their outstanding performance in the academy.