Armed forces to be equipped to protect country's sovereignty

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the country's armed forces will be equipped with modern technologies to have all sorts of preparation to protect the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh in case of any attack.

“We don't want to engage in war with anyone... but if there's any attack, we'll have all sorts of preparation to keep Bangladesh free from enemies, protect our independence and sovereignty. Our goal is to equip our defence forces with modern technologies accordingly,” she said.

The PM said this after inaugurating “Bangabandhu Complex” of Bangladesh Air Force Academy in Jashore.

She also unveiled the plaque of foundation stone of Biman Sena (Air Force) Training Institute of the Air Base Zahurul Haque in Patenga, Chattogram and formally inaugurated activities of its 105 Advanced Jet Training Units through videoconferencing from Jashore.

Sheikh Hasina said the Father of the Nation adopted the foreign policy of 'friendship to all and malice to none'.

“We believe in this policy,” she said.

She urged all members of the Bangladesh Air Force to work competently with confidence and self-esteem for building Bangladesh as a modern and prosperous country.

She said if her government returns to power through the next national election, it will implement a number of plans to further modernise the Bangladesh Air Force. “We have plans to build our air force properly, equipping it with modern technologies as well.”

Hasina said the government adopted the Forces Goal-2030 in line with the Defence Policy formulated by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1974.

As part of the Forces goal, the air force is being equipped with modern fighter aircraft and other instruments regularly, she said.

The Bangabandhu Complex was constructed with modern facilities, including scope for providing training to some 600 flight cadets at a time. Besides, there are 11 structures, eight laboratories and hangars for 30 aircrafts under the specially designed complex, having a bust of the Father of the Nation at its front.

Earlier on her arrival at the Air Force Academy, the PM was given a guard of honour by a smartly-turned out contingent of the Bangladesh Air Force.

Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat was present at the function.