Stand by people for uplift, PM to armed forces

Desk Report: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged members of the armed forces to work with the people for crafting a happy and prosperous Bangladesh with the spirit of the Liberation War.

"Bangladesh should be built with the spirit of the Liberation War. Members of the armed forces must work standing beside the people for their welfare and national uplift," she said while addressing a reception at Senakunja of Dhaka Cantonment marking the Bangladesh Armed Forces Day.

"This country is ours. The socioeconomic condition of the people would be improved as much as the country would be developed," she said adding that the government is striving for introducing Bangladesh as a dignified nation through acquiring global standard in education, knowledge, scientific studies, sports and other arenas.

"Cooperation and sincere efforts of all are required to make it happen," she said.

The prime minister hoped that members of the armed forces would be able to uphold their dignity through their service to protect the country and making contribution to national development.

Wishing constant success of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, Sheikh Hasina said her government has taken substantial plans to make it a competent force of the twenty first century.

"Bangladesh Armed Forces, radiant with the ideals of the Liberation War, are our national pride. I hope for constant progress of the force so that they are acclaimed everywhere for their discipline, professional excellence and obedience to chain-of-command," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh Armed Forces has earned universal recognition for its honesty, sincerity, efficiency and multifaceted services for the welfare of the people.

The nation will always gratefully remember their sincere and responsible approaches and services they provide for humanity and protecting the lives and property during any natural disaster side by side protecting the country's independence and sovereignty, she said.

The role of the armed forces in assisting the forcefully displaced people of Myanmar has also been lauded highly at home and abroad, she said.

PM's security advisor Major General Tarique Ahmed Siddique (retd) and chiefs of three services were present.

Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Acting Chief Justice Abdul Wahhab Miah, Leader of the Opposition Begum Rowshan Ershad, Chief Election Commissioner K M Nurul Huda, cabinet members, leaders of different political parties and professional bodies, senior military officials and their spouses, diplomats and senior government officials joined the reception.

Source: BSS

risingbd/Dhaka/Nov 21, 2017/Saif/AI