PM Hasina urges military to ensure democratic stability

File photo of Sheikha Hasina.
File photo of Sheikha Hasina.

Terming the armed forces as the country’s symbol of independence and sovereignty, prime minister Sheikh Hasina today on Thursday asked them to contribute more to progress of the nation and maintaining democratic and constitutional stability in future, report BSS and UNB.

"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.

Premier Hasina made the observation in her speech at the graduation ceremony of Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) 2018-2019 at Sheikh Hasina Complex of Mirpur Cantonment in the city.

She said the armed forces have earned name and fame on foreign land with their honesty and professional efficiency.

“The success of the armed forces has heightened the image of Bangladesh."

"They will also have to play an important role in progress of the nation and maintaining democratic and constitutional stability so that we could take forward the country’s development spree,” the prime minister said.

She went on to say: "Alongside the noble responsibility of protecting our sovereignty, the 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."

Sheikh Hasina said in the backdrop of today’s changing global security scenario, the role of the armed forces has got new dimensions.

She extended her compliments to all the graduates of DSCSC 2018-2019 course, and wished success in their professional, social and family life.

Commandant of the college Major General Md Enayet Ullah delivered the welcome address at the function.

Pointing at 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 undertake a higher leadership role. You all will perform your duties with integrity."

Noting that a total of 11 female officers are graduated this year, the prime minister said it is encouraging to see the remarkable number of female officers graduating every year. "I hope the enrolment of female officers will increase in the future."

A total of 215 officers, including 118 officers from army, 29 from navy and 23 from air force, and 45 overseas officers from 19 countries of the world graduated from this college this year.

The 19 countries include the USA, China, India, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The prime minister distributed the certificates among the graduates.

On her arrival, the prime minister was received by the commandant of the college.

The college was set up aiming to prepare selected mid-level officers of the three services for the assumption of increasing responsibilities both in command and staff appointments.

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

Ministers, advisers to the prime minister, parliament members, acting chief of army staff, chiefs of the navy and air force, principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division, vice-chancellors of different public and private universities, foreign diplomats and high civil and military officials were present.