2 air bases to be set up in Barisal, Sylhet

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday directed the newly commissioned Air Force officers to remain firm to implement the pledges of keeping airspace of the country being imbued with patriotism.

"You're the son of this soil, never think yourself isolated from the common people, always try to bring smile to their faces," she said.

The PM said this while addressing the Winter President Parade of Flight Cadet Course of Bangladesh Air Force at BAF Academy in Jessore.

Hasina asked the BAF personnel to always remain alert to play the role in any necessity of the country and the nation apart from protecting the country's independence and sovereignty.

She directed the newly commissioned officers to discharge their responsibilities with honesty, concentration and sincerity. "I believe that the Bangladesh Air Force will get strengthened further and its capability will be improved."

A process is on to set up two new air bases of Bangladesh Air Force in Barisal and Sylhet, aiming to improve its strength and capability, Hasina said.

Mentioning that the Air Force is playing its role from the front in facing natural disasters, conducting rescue operation and distributing relief materials both at home and abroad, she said their significant role brightened the image of Bangladesh before the world.

About the BAF Training Academy, the PM said on completion of various development schemes and projects, it would be turned into a world-class training centre.

Earlier, the PM reviewed the smartly turned-out parade and took salute at the impressive March past as the chief guest. She also handed over trophies, certificates and flying badges to the flight cadets.

On her arrival at the BAF Academy Parade Ground, the premier was received by Air Chief Marshal Abu Esrar and Commandant of BAF Academy Air Commodore ASM Fakhrul Islam.

Seventy-nine flight cadets -- 68 flight cadets from 74 BAF Academy Course and 11 from Direct Entry 2017 -- were commissioned. Of them, 13 were female cadets.