Stay alert to deal with unexpected situation

Terming terrorism a great threat to global peace, President Abdul Hamid yesterday asked para-commandos to stay alert to face any unexpected situation in the country.

"Today, terrorism and militancy aren't a problem for a single country or a nation. It's now a problem for all countries…," he told a programme of the 1 Para Commando Battalion of Bangladesh Army at Rajshahi Cantonment.

In the present context, the president said the role of para-commandos is very important, and that is why, every member of the battalion must achieve efficiency and skill of international standard.

He said the army is a symbol of the country's trust and pride while the members of the special force are a part of this.

The journey of the special force was launched in 1992, said Hamid, adding that the members of the force had performed many important responsibilities in the last 25 years.

He said the commandos of the special force are very smart, disciplined and courageous soldiers, and they have been working sincerely to protect the country's sovereignty.

Recalling the successful operations of the battalion in combating militancy, the president said the commandos of the battalion conducted "Operation Thunderbolt" at the city's Holey Artisan Bakery on July 1, 2016, and recovered 13 hostages, including foreign nationals, which helped improve the country's image.

He said the members of the army work to manage crisis during natural disasters, including flood and landslide in the country and now they are working sincerely to distribute aid and provide other assistance to Rohingya people.

Noting that there is no alternative to training in military life, Hamid said he believes that the trend of training and development will continue in the future.

He said there is also no alternative to practice of knowledge and research for going forward in a rapidly changing, competitive and ICT-based world.

The president said he believes that para commando battalion through its multidimensional and realistic initiatives will play a significant role in strengthening the country's defence, disaster management, and international peacekeeping missions.

President Hamid bestowed the National Flag (national standard) to the 1-Para Commando Battalion at the programme.

Cabinet members, the chiefs of the three services and senior military officials were present.