Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the symbol of the independence and sovereignty is the armed forces of the country. We want the Armed Forces to be time befitting and of International standard.
The Prime Minister said, "We always want the army to be time befitting, modern and technologically equipped and we are working to achieve this goal."
The Prime Minister said this while addressing as the Chief Guest at the 'President Parade-2019' organized by the President of Bangladesh Military Academy at Bhatiari on Sunday (Dec. 29) at the conclusion of the 77th BMA Long Course.
Referring to her government's steps in the development of the armed forces, including the army, Sheikh Hasina said, "Since the formation of the government, we have set up new institutions, including new infantry divisions, brigades and units."
The Prime Minister said the government is working to build Bangladesh Army as a modern, technologically equipped and modern force. She also urged the new army members to maintain discipline and obey the chain of command.
The Prime Minister visited the pleasant march past and received the greeting. She later distributed prizes among the best cadets.
Through this program, a total of 265 cadets including 234 Bangladeshis, 29 Saudis, 1 Palestinians, 1 Sri Lankans received the commission.
Battalion Senior Under Officer Sabir Nawaz Shaon received the prestigious 'Sword of Honor' from the Prime Minister after being considered as the best cadet in the 77th BMA long course.
Besides, Company Senior Under Officer Md. Barkat Hossain earned 'Army Chief Gold Medal' for excellence in military affairs.
Later, the cadets formally took the oath, and parents and guardians put the rank-badges of the new officers in presence of the Prime Minister and participated in the photo session with the cadets.
Earlier, when the Prime Minister arrived at the BMA parade ground, Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed welcomed her.