AL never used armed forces to grab power

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her party never used the armed forces as a tool for capturing power, rather wanted to build it as a strong, disciplined and dignified force.

"Awami League believes in democracy so the party never used the armed forces as a tool for capturing power or did anything to instigate a coup and killings in the force," she said, adding that the Armed Forces of Bangladesh originated from the Liberation War.

The PM said this at a reception at Senakunja, Dhaka Cantonment, marking the Armed Forces Day-2016.

Hasina said whenever the AL came to power, it worked for the development of the armed forces and well-being of its members. The party wanted to build strong armed forces so that it would earn a reputation at home and abroad. 

Congratulating members of the armed forces, she urged them to be imbued with the ideals and spirit of the Armed Forces Day to work together for the nation.

Highlighting the special significance of the day in the history of the Liberation War, Hasina said the valiant fighters of the army, navy and air force launched joint attacks on the Pakistan occupation forces on this day in 1971.

As a result, the devastating occupation forces were compelled to surrender amid united assault of the freedom fighters and allied forces, she said.

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, cabinet members, Opposition Leader Raushan Ershad, parliament members, chiefs of three forces, members of the armed forces and their spouses, leaders of different political parties, professionals and diplomats attended the reception.

After addressing the programme, the prime minister exchanged pleasantries with the army officials and their family members, diplomats and other guests.

Lauding the role of the armed forces at home and abroad in nation building activities and peacekeeping, the PM said they have brightened the country's image at the international level through their relentless services.

Pointing out the settlement of maritime boundaries with the neighbouring countries, Hasina said the government has taken steps to build the navy as a three-dimensional force. Two submarines will be added to the navy very soon, she said.

Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman wanted to build competent and smart armed forces and accordingly took necessary initiatives.

She said the armed forces' members are doing extraordinary job in disaster management and development alongside protecting the country's independence and sovereignty.

The armed forces are also playing a remarkable role in building digital Bangladesh, she said.

About the services of members of the armed forces in the UN peacekeeping missions, the PM said the armed forces have earned a reputation from the global community for establishing peace and stability at different parts of the world.

Hasina said her government has taken effective steps to build strong armed forces which would be able to deal with the challenges of the 21st century.

The government is making constant efforts to equip the army, navy and air force with necessary training and weapons. All three forces are being reorganised and modernised under the Armed Forces Goal-2030, she said.

The PM said her government has taken steps to provide modern healthcare services to the armed forces' members.

Steps have also been taken to resolve the housing problems of the armed forces' members, Hasina added.