Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks at the graduation ceremony of National Defence Course 2014 and Armed Forces War Course 2014 at NDC Auditorium at Dhaka Cantonment on Thursday. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said her government has been working to establish a professional and well-trained armed forces and expressed the optimism that the Armed Forces will keep intact its role in future for fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people, reports UNB. “Our armed forces were established in the battlefield of the Liberation War. Our patriotic armed forces from its beginning were always with the people to meet their hopes and aspirations. I hope, this role of the Armed Forces will remain intact in future,” she said. “I’m confident that the Armed Forces will continue to maintain its high standards in its efforts, efficiency and professionalism,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the Graduation Ceremony of National Defence Course (NDC) and Armed Forces War (AFW) Course-2014 at Mirpur Cantonment. Earlier, the Prime Minister handed over certificates among the graduating members of the two courses. Commandant of National Defence College Lt General Mollah Fazle Akbar in his address of welcome congratulated the graduating members and thanked the faculty members and staff officers of the College. Mentioning that the nation feels proud with its Armed Forces, Hasina said: “We’ve been working to establish a professional and well-trained armed forces. We’ve allocated increased money for the armed forces in the national budgets.” She said her government has ensured that the Armed Forces would have access to latest technologies and equipment, and adequate training facilities have been established and operationalised. “The members of the Armed Forces have always worked with integrity, commitment and diligence to help the people in times of natural and other calamities and disasters. They’ve implemented strategic infrastructure projects and worked generally with very high standard at both home and abroad.” “They’ve earned very good reputation at home and abroad. I hope this partnership between the people and the Armed Forces will gather more strength with the passage of time,” the Prime Minister said. She mentioned that the National Defence College is dedicated to train the operational and strategic leaders from home and abroad, from militaries to civil services and the policymakers. They are contributing to the promotion of a culture of peace, accountability and transparency. Hasina said the officers have been carrying out high responsibilities in their respective services while the ex-graduates from this institution have been becoming cabinet secretary, chiefs of services or chief of police. She said even successful businessmen and professors of the country as well as members of parliament are showing interest to take part in the NDC Capstone Course. The College would have to maintain the standards and continue its development, “It is hoped that with their knowledge, will and commitment, they will usher in a new horizon of stability, development and empowerment of the people.” The Prime Minister noted that all now live in a globalised multi-polar world where continuously improving technologies are increasing connection among all the people, providing solutions and sometimes naturally creating adverse effects too. “We’ve not only ensured legitimate safeguards in light of national security concerns, but also successfully encouraged effective use of technology,” she added. Hasina said the main objectives of the country’s liberation war were to establish democracy, and an exploitation-free, secular and just society. “Braving various odds, we’ve been striving hard to ensure these principles in our politics, economy and governing systems.” She said that before 1996, there was no institution for the higher training of senior and junior officers of armed forces in the country. “We established the National Defence College during our 1996-2001 tenure. This institution has turned into an internationally reputed training institution. It is indeed a matter of pride for us.” The Prime Minister said the present government formulated ‘Armed Forces Goal 2030’ for its development. In pursuance of the goal, the government procured equipments including fourth generation tank MBT-2000, self-propelled guns, Radars, APC for the army while modern helicopters have been purchased for army aviation. She said: “For a three-dimensional Navy, procurement of submarine is underway… submarine would be added to the Navy fleet by 2016. Besides, helicopter, marine patrol aircraft, modern frigate and vessels were procured to meet the newer challenges.” Hasina said that MIG-29, C-130 aircraft, K-8W trainer aircraft, Mi171 helicopters and surface to surface missile system have been added to the Air Force while her government has been working to increase Bangladesh’s participation in the UN peacekeeping missions. She said the strategic geographic location of the country made it an important actor in the global politics as Bangladesh is playing a major role in promoting regional integration. The Prime Minister said: “The main theme of our foreign policy is: Friendship to all, malice to none. We’re developing inter-state relations based on our foreign policy.” She further said: “Our domestic policies have proved to be effective in human development and economic empowerment of the people in general. However, there remain serious challenges in ensuring continuing growth and development. “I believe with your just completed courses you will be better prepared to tackle these challenges,” she added. Mentioning that all are now living in a more prosperous and connected world which is also now more vulnerable to events that cannot be anticipated, Hasina said the developing countries have to accommodate with the policy designs of the international community and, therefore, remain extremely vulnerable to shocks originating from the developed world. “It’s a must that the developing countries forge increasing economic relations among themselves to diversify and strengthen their economies,” she added. Citing that Bangladesh resolved many security problems that were hindering bilateral relations, the Prime Minister said the vision was to develop an integrated regional economy. “I’m happy to say that we see the beginning of the implementation of that vision. In last five years and eleven months, the South Asian region has seen substantial progress on security issues, bilateral relations and multi-lateral cooperation.” As many as 77 personnel including 48 from Bangladesh and 29 overseas course members took part in this year’s National Defence Course-2014 Course. Among the Bangladeshis, 28 are Brigadier Generals from Bangladesh Army, Four Commodores from Bangladesh Navy, three Group Captains from Bangladesh Air Force, eleven joint secretaries, one DG from Foreign Service and one DIG of Bangladesh Police took part in the course. Twenty-eight overseas course members from 11 friendly countries also participated in the National Defence Course 2014. This year, the Armed Forces War Course comprised 26 Lieutenant Colonels from Bangladesh Army, two captains and three commanders from Bangladesh Navy, one Group Captain and three Wing Commanders from Bangladesh Air Force. Ministers and MPs, High Commissioners and Ambassadors of different countries to Bangladesh, Chiefs of three services, PM’s Principal Secretary, Vice Chancellors and Professors of different universities, and Faculties, Staff Officers and Course Members of NDC and AFWC 2014 were present on the occasion.
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