She was addressing the President's Parade at the Bangladesh Naval Academy at Patenga, marking the commissioning of the Alfa batch of midshipmen of Bangladesh Navy.

A total of 13 midshipmen and two midshipwomen were commissioned yesterday.

Khaleda appreciated and welcomed the women cadets who have come forward to take the challenging job of serving the armed forces.

She reminded the graduating cadets that they would have to safeguard the country's independence and sovereignty even at the cost of their blood.

To perform the responsibility, she said: "Patriotism, devotion, honesty and sincerity have to be reflected in all their activities."

Khaleda appreciated the Navy's role in guarding the country's maritime boundary, checking illegal fishing and smuggling in Bangladesh waters, and curbing terrorism.

She said the "Fisheries Week 2003 Gold Medal" awarded to the Navy and the success of the force in UN Missions had enhanced the prestige of the force.

She mentioned that the navy has got two OPV boats in the last two years and assured it of providing three more OPVs, two tug boats and two PKM boats for its modernisation and infrastructural development.

Other modern equipment would also be procured in keeping with the demand of time to enhance the efficiency of navy.

She also emphasised the need for modern training to groom skilled cadets and officers and said the Naval Academy is playing a very important role in this regard.

The prime minister expressed her deep shock at the tragic death of 15 officers and a junior commissioned officer of Bangladesh Army in a plane crash in West Africa on Thursday last.

Earlier, the prime minister reviewed a smartly turned out parade and took salute at the impressive march past.

She also distributed trophies and medals among the outstanding midshipmen.

Midshipman Jubayer Ahmed was awarded the Coveted Sword of Honour as the best all-round midshipman. He also clinched the Osmani Gold Medal for his outstanding performance in academic subjects.

Midshipman Mohiuddin Mojumder received the gold medal of the Chief of Naval Staff for his feat in professional subjects.

Chief of the Naval Staff Rear Admiral Shah Iqbal Mujtaba received the prime minister on her arrival at the parade ground in a ceremonial motorcade.

The prime minister also presented National Standard to the Bangladesh Naval Academy in recognition of its invaluable services to the nation by producing naval officers of high professional competence.

Ministers, MPs, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, eminent educationists, local elite and guardians of the cadets attended the ceremony.