Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the armed forces to play the due role in advancing the nation as well as maintaining democratic and constitutional stability in the country.

“Bangladesh Armed Forces are making significant contributions to peacekeeping in various countries under the emblem of UN mission. The armed forces will also have to play an important role in the progress of the nation and in maintaining democratic and constitutional stability so that we can keep up the country's ongoing trend of development,” she said.

The PM made the comment while addressing the graduation ceremony of Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) 2018-2019 at Sheikh Hasina Complex of Mirpur Cantonment in the city.

The armed forces have earned name and fame in foreign land with their honesty and professional efficiency, she said, adding that the forces are the symbol of the country's independence and sovereignty.

“Alongside the noble responsibility of protecting our sovereignty, members of our patriotic armed forces are also making significant contributions to the fields of tackling any crisis and disasters, construction of infrastructures, socio-economic development and maintaining law and order,” the PM said.

Mentioning that her government wants to build Bangladesh as a developed and prosperous country, she called upon the armed forces to continue its contributions to various fields in this development journey.

Talking about the country's development, Hasina said her government accomplished tremendous development activities in all sectors in the last 10 years. “People are now reaping the benefit of our development programmes. Bangladesh is now a role model of development in the world.”

“Being highly happy with the development work of my government, people have made us victorious again in the 11th parliamentary election. We'll fully implement all the pledges made to the country's people,” said Hasina.

The government has a plan to set up a nuclear power plant in the country's southern region on completion of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the PM said.

Bangladesh started constructing the Padma bridge with own funds, Hasina said, adding, “I think that this decision has changed the image of Bangladesh in the whole world.”

For the graduating officers, she said, “This course will make you more confident in discharging assigned duties and in facing any challenge more efficiently. You all be prepared to take a higher leadership role. You all will perform your duties with integrity.”

Noting that 11 female officers have graduated this year, the PM said it was encouraging to see a good number of female officers graduating every year.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a photo-session with graduates of 2018-19 batch of Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) at Mirpur Cantonment yesterday. PHOTO: PID

Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman put special emphasis on building disciplined and professional armed forces in independent Bangladesh. In line with it, this college was established for the higher training of armed forces officers.

The PM said Bangladesh is a peace-loving country and its trust and respect for world peace is aptly echoed in its foreign policy -- “Friendship to all and malice to none on the basis of equality”.

Commandant of the college Maj Gen Md Enayet Ullah delivered the welcome speech.

Some 215 officers, including 118 officers from army, 29 from navy and 23 from air force, and 45 overseas officers from 19 countries, have graduated from this college this year.

The PM also distributed certificates among the graduating officers.

So far, 3,902 Bangladeshi officers, five police officers and 1,111 overseas officers from 42 friendly countries have graduated from this college.