PM for chain of command in armed forces

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday laid importance on chain of command at all levels in the armed forces.

She said that command channel in force is one of the main features of a disciplined force to perform its duties and achieve the desired goals.

“Effective command channel plays an important role in resolving any action in the army. I believe that if you maintain respect and loyalty to the commanders at all levels, then it is possible to accomplish any work together with skill, discipline and morality,” she said.

The prime minister made the observation while speaking at a function at Dhaka Cantonment on the occasion of President’s Guard Regiment’s 43rd founding anniversary.

Sheikh Hasina said her government has set specific target to free the nation from hunger and poverty by 2020 when the nation would celebrate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation.

Along with overall national development, she said the present government is also working on the development of the Armed Forces. “The development of the Armed Forces has only been done during our time,” she said.

On her arrival at the PGR headquarters, the prime minister was received by army chief general Aziz Ahmed and PGR commander brigadier general Md. Jahangir Harun. A smartly turned out guard presented state salute to the prime minister.

The prime minister exchanged pleasantries with all officers and junior commissioned officers. She also met the relatives of the officials who died on duty and gave them gifts and donations.

Prime minister’s security adviser major general (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, navy chief admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed, air chief air marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, Armed Forces Division principal staff officer Lt general Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, defense secretary Akhter Hussain Bhuiyan, military secretary to the prime minister major general Mia Md. Zainul Abedin and PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim and senior military and civil officials were present.

Focusing on the country’s development during the tenure of her government, the prime minister said the government is working amid many challenges. Referring to the false allegations of corruption by the World Bank, she said the government is constructing the Padma Bridge with its own resources.

“As a recognition of development and progress, Bangladesh has already reached the developing world from the LDCs,” she said adding that the country has also entered a new era through launching of Bangabandhu Satellite into space.

Sheikh Hasina praised the role of the army in constructing temporary shelter centers as well as taking responsibility for distributing relief materials among Rohingyas who fled their homes in Myanmar for the forced evictions. “Your hard work has made your image brighter at home and abroad,” she said.

The prime minister extended her sincere greetings and congratulations to all members of the guards’ family on the occasion of its founding anniversary of the regiment.

Sheikh Hasina said as the head of the government, she witnessed the regiment from very close and is impressed with their work, responsibility and devotion.

“I know that you are specially selected and trained from Bangladesh Army for this regiment. I have faith and belief that you will always do your duty sincerely, in accordance with professionalism, loyalty and discipline,” she said.

“Braving all adverse weather, night and day, your sincere duties are highly appreciated. It is my expectation that you will work honestly to keep this reputation,” she added.

Sheikh Hasina said her government first introduced risk allowances for PGR, considering the risks of guards at work.

She informed that  the President Guard Regiment was reconstructed and made stronger than before to increase its abilities.

She said that in 2013, the President Guard Regiment was declared as a separate formation.

The prime minister informed that the government has addressed the housing problem of the regiment by creating a barrack adjacent to Ganobhaban.

“The construction of a 14-storied building for the Guards family is also underway in cantonment”, she said adding that she hopes the construction will be completed soon.

Sheikh Hasina said she always prays to Allah for her security guards so that they always live well.