Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed has said the army's sincerity is recognised in keeping the country's democratic trend intact through holding a free, fair and neutral election by December this year to transfer power to elected representatives.
The head of the caretaker government made the remark while formally launching the newly formed Army Training and Doctrine Command (ATDC) unit at the ATDC parade ground in Momenshahi Cantonment yesterday.
The chief adviser, flanked by Army Chief of Staff Gen Moeen U Ahmed and GOC of ATDC Maj Gen Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, formally raised the flag of ATDC and participated in a munajat praying for the success of the newly formed unit.
The Doctrine Command, which was formed on July 25, 2007, formally started its journey yesterday as the 8th Division of Bangladesh Army.
Reminding that the present government took responsibility in January last year during a critical period of the nation, Fakhruddin said army played a laudable role at that time to maintain peace and discipline to put the nation back onto the right track.
Fakhruddin said army has given the nation the direction towards a new enlightened path through participating in various government activities, including curbing terrorism, anti-corruption drive and eviction of illegal establishments.
He said the army has done another commendable job through providing all-out cooperation to the Election Commission in preparing the voter list with photographs and national ID cards, the first such initiative in the country's history.
Fakhruddin also mentioned their active role in relief and rehabilitation activities during two successive floods and cyclone Sidr last year. People of the country will remember their good work for a long time, he added.
The chief adviser said the present government since it assumed office has shown special interest in modernising the army and formation of Army Training and Doctrine Command is the part of that process.
He said despite resource constrains the present government will continue to work sincerely in building the capacity of the country's Armed Forces, keeping pace with other countries of the world.
Fakhruddin said the necessity of relentlessly pursuing knowledge and research is now recognised by all for protecting existence and attaining excellence in a fast changing, competitive and knowledge-based world.
The chief adviser expressed the hope that this new institution will contribute significantly in strengthening the country's defence system, facing disasters and participating in international peacekeeping activities.
Fakhruddin said he firmly believes this new organisation would be able to uphold the standard of professionalism of Bangladesh Army in keeping with their key motto “Victory Through Excellence”.
He told the members of ATDC that they have important role in improving standard of training of the army and hoped that they would accomplish the task smoothly by best utilising their experiences, merit and efficiency.
Fakhruddin said Bangladesh Armed Forces have earned international acclaim for the services in peacekeeping activities under UN missions.
The recent achievement of winning of the UN medal by Bangladesh Army contingent in Ivory Coast once again proved their professional excellence.
Earlier, a smartly turned out contingent of ATDC gave a guard of honour to the chief adviser as he arrived at the parade ground. Army chief General Moeen U Ahmed and GOC of ATDC Maj Gen Mohammad Ziaur Rahman received him.
Finance Adviser Dr Mirza Azizul Islam, Home Adviser Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin, Communications Adviser Maj Gen (retd) Golam Kader, Cultural Affairs Adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury, Navy Chief Vice Admiral Sarwar Jahan Nizam, Air Chief Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman and senior military and civil officials were present.