Remain alert to protect country

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged the newly commissioned members of the Bangladesh Army to always stay vigilant to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty.
‘You’re taking the sacred responsibility of protecting the country… So, you’ll have to stay alert always and be ready to save the country’s independence and sovereignty even giving the last drop of your blood,’ she said.
The prime minister was addressing the president parade marking the commissioning of the cadets of 73rd BMA long course and 44th BMA special course at Bangladesh Military Academy parade ground in Bhatiari.
Sheikh Hasina also asked the members of Bangladesh Army to advance this force towards continued prosperity through maintaining its global reputation.
‘It’s my expectation that people from any corner across the globe would consider Bangladesh Army as the symbol of peace and prosperity,’ the prime minister told the function.
Reminding of the Army personnel and the cadets that they are the equal partners of happiness and woes of the country’s common people, Hasina said then Bangladesh Army had always stand beside the distressed people of the country in any natural disaster or hard time.
Besides, she said, the armed forces have a significant role in maintaining the democratic continuity of the country and helping the civil administration in national development endeavors.
The prime minister said Bangladesh armed forces, which came into existence through the War of Liberation, is a pride of the nation and the force has come to today’s position following the path showed by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Through this colorful ceremony, a total of 194 cadets including one from Sri Lanka, one from Nepal formally passed out. Among them 189 cadets, including 8 female cadets from 73 BMA long course and 5 cadets from 44 BMA special course are commissioned to Bangladesh Army.
Battalion senior under officer Md Ahsan Ullah was adjudged as the best all round cadet and awarded the coveted ‘Sword of Honour’ while company senior under officer Md Ruhany Rabbi Hamza received the of ‘Chief of Army Staff’s Gold Medal’ for his outstanding performance in military subjects.
Mentioning that Bangladesh is a promising country in establishing global peace, she said Bangladesh has been making an important contribution towards maintaining global peace through sending highest number of peacekeepers at the UN peacekeeping missions.
‘Our Army has been able to gain the praises of all through discharging its duties bestowed upon it both at home and abroad with utmost efficiency and professionalism,’ she added.
The prime minister noted that peace is now prevailing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to the devotion and courageous role of the Army. ‘I expect you to devote yourselves towards serving the motherland alongside protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty.’
Ministers, PM’s advisers, senior military and civil officials, the chiefs of three services, diplomats and guardians of the newly commissioned cadets were present.
On her arrival at the BMA parade ground, the prime minister was received by Army Chief General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, commandant of the academy Major General Md Jahangir Kabir Talukder and general officer commanding of 24 Infantry Division and area commander Chittagong area Major General Md Shafiqur Rahman.
The prime minister reviewed the smartly turned out parade and took salute of the impressive march past as the chief guest. She also distributed awards among the best cadets for their outstanding performance in the academy.

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