Modern air force vital to defend sovereignty: PM:Daily Sun

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday reviews a smartly-turned-out parade and takes salute at an impressive march past at Winter President Parade of 70 Flight Cadet Course of Bangladesh Air Force in Jessore. PID Photo Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said a professional and modern air force is imperative to safeguard independence and sovereignty of the country. She vowed to provide fu
rther logistic support so that the force can attain competitive stature in the regional and global arena, referring to the steps already taken to promote its professional excellence. The premier was addressing as chief guest at Winter President Parade of 70 Flight Cadet Course of Bangladesh Air Force at its academy in Jessore. A festive mood prevailed in the parade ground with the attendance of newly commissioned cadets, instructors, guardians and senior armed-forces officials, especially air force from home and abroad. A handful of judges, govt officials, dignitaries and journalists were also present. The PM reviewed a smartly-turned-out parade and took salute at the impressive march past. As many as 42 flight cadets, including 27 from 70 FCC and 15 cadets from 14 SSC and SPSSC were commissioned. Six female flight cadets were also included. Hasina said the father of the nation procured Mig-21 fighter, MI-8 helicopter, AN-24 air carriage and air defence radar meant for modernisation of air force despite poor economic condition in the 1973 post-war context. “The 1996 government inducted fourth-generation MIG-29, C-130 and high-powered defence radar in BAF. After 2009, it bought F-7 BG-1 fighter, MI-171 SH Helicopter, sophisticated missile defence system.” Bangabandhu and Cox’s Bazar air bases now take a full-fledged and professional status. Surface-to-air missile is also inducted in BAF, she went on. The premier said her government will turn the country into a middle-income state by 2021 and a developed one by 2041. Earlier, the recorded speech of Bangabandhu at the passing-out ceremony of the first batch of BAF commissioned officers was played. Flight Cadet Wing Under-officer Dhrubo Sarker of 70 FCC was awarded ‘Sword of Honour’ and ‘Commandant’s Trophy’ for his best all-round performance and general service training respectively. Flight Cadet Ishtiaque Nafiz Chowdhury received ‘Birshrestha Matiur Rahman Trophy’ for his best performance in flight training and Flight Cadet Sgt Sangeet Tarafder received ‘Chief of Air Staff Trophy’ for his performance in ground batch while Number-2 Squadron was adjudged the ‘Champion Squadron’ and was awarded Academy Colour for overall performance. Dhrubo commanded the parade which was followed by a spectacular fly-past of different aircraft of BAF Academy. Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari and Commandant BAF Academy Air Cdre M Sayed Hossain received the PM on her arrival. Civil and military officials, retired chiefs of air force were also present.