Remain alert to safeguard independence, sovereignty: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked the newly-commissioned officers of Bangladesh Army to remain always alert and ready for safeguarding the country's hard-earned independence and sovereignty.

"Keep in mind that the independence was earned in exchange for huge bloodshed and sacrifice. So, it's a responsibility of all to make independence meaningful and reach its fruits to every house of Bangladesh," she said.

The prime minister said this while addressing the President's Parade marking the obtaining commission by the cadet officers of 75 BMA Long Course of the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) at the BMA Parade Ground in Bhatiari in Chittagong this noon.

Sheikh Hasina said today is the happiest and important day for the newly- commissioned officers, as a sacred responsibility for protecting the great independence and sovereignty of the motherland is being reposed on them from now on.

"So, they'll have to always remain vigil and ready for discharging this duty ... protecting the country's independence and sovereignty with supreme sacrifice would be their first and main motto," she said.

Advising the newly-commissioned officers to remain beside the people and serve the country without interest, the premier said they will have to be loyal to seniors and sympathetic to subordinates. "You'll have to serve the country and people without interest ... take my doa (blessings) and good wishes," she said.

Earlier, the prime minister reviewed the smartly turned out parade riding on an open jeep and took salute at the impressive march past. She also distributed awards to an outstanding cadet.

Chief of Army Staff General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq and BMA Commandant Major General Saiful Alam accompanied the prime minister. Ministers, advisers, parliament members, senior political leaders, the chiefs of Bangladesh Navy and Air Force, diplomats and high civil and military officials, parents and guardians of the newly-commissioned officers were present.

Through today's parade, a total of 350 cadets -- 343 Bangladeshis, five Palestinians and two Sri Lankans -- got commission. Battalion Senior Under Officer Sadmanur Rahman, who was adjudged the best all-round cadet in the 75 BMA Long Course, received the "Sword of Honour" from the premier. He also obtained the "Chief of Army Staff Gold Medal" for acquiring highest standard in the military subjects.

Earlier, on her arrival at the BMA Parade Ground, the prime minister was received by Chief of Army Staff General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 24 Infantry Division and Area Commander of Chittagong Area Major General Md Jahangir Kabir Talukdar and GOC of Army Training and Doctrine Command Lt Gen Abdul Aziz and and BMA Commandant Major General Saiful Alam.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh Army has been able to earn praises from all quarters for its efficiency and professionalism in discharging responsibilities reposed on them at home and abroad.

"You'll have to take this reputation ahead. The people of any part of the world would know Bangladesh Army as a symbol of peace and prosperity--it is my expectation," she said.