Protect independence, PM urges air force cadets

 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addresses a Winter Graduation Parade of Bangladesh Air Force at the Air Force Academy in Jessore on Thursday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday called upon the members of Bangladesh Air Force to follow the dedication and sacrifice of their predecessors to protect the country's independence and sovereignty.
"Birshrestha Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman, Sergeant Zahurul Haque and many other martyrs of the War of Liberation belong to the Bangladesh Air Force. I hope that you would follow their path and dedicate yourselves to the sacred task of safeguarding the country," she said.
The prime minister was addressing the Winter Graduation Parade of Bangladesh Air Force at the Air Force Academy in Jessore.
The prime minister reviewed the parade and took salute.
Cabinet members, PM's advisors, senior military and civil officials, diplomats, and guardians of newly commissioned officers were present.
On her arrival at the Air Force Academy, the prime minister was received by Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari and Commander of Jessore Air Base Air Commodore M Anwarul Haq Sardar.
Reminding the graduates about supreme sacrifice of millions of the martyrs, she said Bangladesh is an outcome of a bloody war, and it's our holy duty to protect the hard- earned independence and sovereignty.
"From today you are the partner of the responsibility, and I hope that your motto to 'Keep the Sky of Bangla Free' would be reflected in your thinking and activities," the prime minister said.
Congratulating the 22 flight cadets including seven females who got commission today after completion of military training through hard working and perseverance, the prime minister said Bangladesh needs a professional and modern air force to protect its independence.
Keeping it in mind, she said, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had taken steps for induction of supersonic fighter squadron MiG-21, most modern aircraft at that time, MI-8 helicopter squadron, AN-24 cargo fight squadron, and four radars in the air force.
Sheikh Hasina said during the previous tenure of her government, most modern MiG-29, wide-bodied C-130 cargo aircraft, high-powered space defence radar were inducted in the air force in addition to formation of a new unit.
This time, she said, the air force was refurbished with surface to air missiles, while Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre has been established so that maintenance, overhauling and design changing of aircrafts can be done at home by local engineers. "One day the centre will be able to manufacture warplanes Insha Allah," she hoped.
Sheikh Hasina said a substantial number of F-7 BGI warplanes and MI-171 helicopters are being added to air force. Besides, steps were taken for procurement of cargo planes and sophisticated air defence radar, she said.
She said a full-fledged air base has been established in Cox's Bazar to protect the civil and military structures in the country's south and southeast part. "It (the base) is essential for protection of our maritime boundary after settlement with neighbouring countries," she said.
The prime minister said that measures were taken to establish a modern training complex namely 'Bangabandhu Complex' aimed at providing higher training to air force cadets. "The air force remains a step forward to implement 'Digital Bangladesh' through making the grading system, tabulation and examination fully computerised," she said.
Appreciating the contribution of the air force in tackling the national disasters, she said the force is also playing applauding role in the UN peacekeeping missions. "The government is trying to send more members from armed forces in the UN missions," she said.
Sheikh Hasina particularly expressed her pleasure for commissioning of the seven female cadets in the air force this year. "Our government had taken the decision to induct females as commissioned officer in the armed forces," she said.
She urged the cadets to devote themselves to training and exercise and practice discipline as she termed them as future leaders of the air force. "There is no alternative to strict discipline, training and practice to achieve professional efficiency in military life," she said.
Later, the prime minister awarded the flight cadet badges to the newly commissioned officers and sword to the best cadet. Flight Cadet Wing Under Officer Soumitra Kumar Biswas received the decorative sword for his best all- round performance in the training.
A total of 22 flight cadets including seven females who completed their military training through hard working and perseverance in the 66 Flight Cadet Course got commission today.