‘Stand by people’

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said everyone expects the newly-commissioned officer cadets of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) to serve the country and stand beside citizens selflessly. 

“You’ll stand beside the people selflessly and serve the country…this is everyone’s expectation,” she said while speaking at this year’s President’s Parade at BAF Academy in Jashore.

From now on, the sacred responsibility of protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty is in the hands of the new officer cadets, she said. “You always have to be vigilant and ready to discharge your duties,” she added.

“You’ve to obey senior officials and maintain the chain of command, so that BAF can be a force strong in discipline,” the PM said.

Hasina said the life of a soldier is a tough one due to the constant moral struggle of being dutiful and ready to sacrifice for the country.

“You must not stray from the right path,” she told the new officers.

Sheikh Hasina directed the newly-commissioned officer cadets to develop themselves by working hard and being honest, sincere and virtuous.

She elaborated on various steps of the government for modernising and strengthening the air force. She said the government wants to establish BAF as a modern force.

Referring to the Forces Goal 2030, which was formulated in light of the defence policy of the Father of the Nation, she said the government has been implementing the forces goal in phases.

Putting emphasis on imparting proper training to air force members, she said the government has given priority to providing appropriate training in a timely manner to increase their efficiency.

Sheikh Hasina said with modern training facilities and well-trained officials, the present air force is not like it was a decade ago; it is now totally different in terms of infrastructural, strategic and technological capabilities.

On occasion of the passing-out parade, the prime minister handed over the “Sword of Honour” award, trophies and badges among the graduating officer cadets for their outstanding performance and successful completion of the training course.

A total of 104 cadets were commissioned to the air force yesterday.