Know true history of independence

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the new generation members of the Armed Forces to know the true history of country's independence and democracy on their own effort so confusion does not cloud anyone's vision in the march forward.

"Try to know about the true history of the country. Because, in the past, by inserting untrue information into the textbooks, children and new generation like you have been confused," she said.

The PM was addressing the National Standard Presentation Parade of the East Bengal Regiment (EBR) of Bangladesh Army at Chittagong Cantonment.

Hasina observed that acquiring true history about the country's independence and democracy is a national responsibility of every patriotic citizen.

"I believe that actual history of the country will be established someday," she told the function.

The PM also requested the people of all walks of life to project the authentic history of Bangladesh and the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters to liberate the country for the new generation.

After her arrival at the helipad of Chittagong Cantonment, the prime minister was brought in a ceremonial motorcade to the Parade Ground.

She was received by Chief of Army Staff General Md Abdul Mubeen, Chittagong Area Commander Major General Md Shamim Chowdhury and EBR Commandant Brigadier General Abu Sohel.

A smartly turned out contingent of the EBR presented a parade on the occasion. The premier inspected the parade and took the salute.

Hasina expressed her government's firm commitment to continue its effort to improve professionalism of the members of Bangladesh Army and ensuring their development in every field of work.

"We are pledge-bound to build a modern, digital Bangladesh. In line with our pledge, our efforts to increase capacity of Bangladesh army would be continued."

She described the Bangladesh Army as the most disciplined force of the country which has been formed with the representation of the people of all regions, classes and social strata.

She noted that their excellent harmonious coexistence irrespective of religions and colours in the army would encourage all.

The PM said her previous 1996 government had implemented several programs for the development of Bangladesh Army.

She listed a number of steps like procurement of sophisticated weapons, imparting modern training, increasing manpower, introducing medicare facilities for the close relatives of army personnel in combined military hospitals, infrastructural development, introducing rice in their lunch and Tiffin allowances.

The premier greeted 28th, 29th, 30th and 32nd EBR batches on their attaining the capacity of carrying the national flag, saying that the regiment had played an outstanding historic role in the emergence of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh in 1971.

She recalled that despite resource constraints, Bangabandhu took massive programs to build up strong and independent armed forces in the war-ravaged Bangladesh immediately after the country's War of Liberation.

Hasina said on return home on January 10, 1972, he (Bangabandhu) requested the Indian allied forces to go back to their country and the quick return of the Indian formidable military to their country was a rare example in the world history.

Later, she said, Bangabandhu set up military academy, combined arms school and a separate centre and school for each of the military services for imparting modern and sophisticated training to them.

Apart from this, Bangabandhu procured modern and sophisticated weapons, fighter jets, tanks and cannons to enhance the capacity of the Armed Forces.

"Eventually, Bangladesh has now got smart, skilled and professional armed forces which are working as a vanguard of protecting the country's independence and sovereignty," she told the function.

The PM paid tributes to the army officers and others slain in the Feb 25-26 BDR carnage at the Pilkhana headquarters.

Among others, Commerce Minister Faruk khan, Primary and Mass Education Minister Afsarul Amin, former president HM Ershad, former Army Chief Lt General (rtd) Mahbubur Rahman, local MPs, diplomats and high civil and military officials were present on the occasion.

Later, the prime minister addressed the Regimental Commanders' Conference 2009 at the Cantonment.

She called upon the members of the Bangladesh Army to play leading role in guiding the people to face any disastrous situation of the country being imbued with the highest degree of patriotism.

The premier said the members of the Armed Forces have to "update their mentality, faith and belief making them harmonious with the ever-changing global situation."

She said the country is now having efficient, capable and strong Armed Forces which have to be kept up in future in greater national interest.

Hasina said like in the past, her present government also is implementing a number of steps for the welfare of the members of the armed forces and their families.

She listed a number of steps implemented by her previous 1996 government, including setting up a Composite Brigade, Special Works Brigade in Sylhet, Reverie Engineering Battalion, a Support Battalion, Ordnance Company as well as a Field Ambulance.

She informed the army function that the government has already requested the United Nations to increase members of Armed Forces' officers in the UN peacekeeping mission.