Air force base construction at Cox's Bazar soon: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addresses the newly commissioned officers at Winter Graduation Parade of Bangladesh Air Force at BAF Academy Parade Ground, Jessore yesterday. Photo: ISPR

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina yesterday said construction work on a full-fledged air force base at Cox's Bazar to ensure security of maritime boundaries and other military and civil establishments will begin soon.
She urged Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) to imbue with the spirit of the War of Liberation and remain prepared to face any situation.
Addressing the Winter Graduation Parade Bangladesh Air Force at BAF Academy Parade Ground, she also asked members of the force to work with the people to turn Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021.
The parade was held marking the commissioning of No 62 Flight Cadet Course and No 9 Special Short Service Commission Course of BAF.
“I am sure the air force, possessing the spirit of the War of Liberation, will remain prepared to face any situation,” she said.
Hasina asked the newly commissioned officers to protect the nation's independence and sovereignty, saying that a strong, professional and modern air force is a must for any sovereign country.
“I hope you will make ceaseless efforts for improving professional quality through practice and apply the basic training you have taken from the Air Force Academy.”
Reminding that equipment of the air force is very expensive, she said, “You are going to take the responsibility of ensuring proper maintenance of these equipments.”
Giving example of Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman and Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haq, the PM said as followers of these heroes, the responsibility of safeguarding the national independence falls upon the young officers.
The PM said the government has taken various projects to modernise the air force.
As a part of the plans, she said process is underway to include modern war equipment to the air force and develop its infrastructure facilities.
“We have already taken steps to procure modern missiles capable of striking from land.”
The PM announced that flying allowance of air force personnel would be increased to Tk 5,000 from Tk 900.
Besides, she said the present government has already increased air force insurance to Tk 12 lakh from Tk 10 lakh.
Later on, the PM laid foundation stone of multi-storied Bangabandhu Complex to facilitate the young officers with all the modern training facilities.
Earlier, the PM was received by air force Chief Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman and Base Commander of the local base Group Captain M Mortuza Kamal.
The PM reviewed a smartly turned-out parade and took salute at the impressive march past. She handed over awards, certificates and flying badges among the Flight Cadets.
A total of 33 flight cadets including 10 female cadets were commissioned.
A spectacular fly past of different aircrafts of BAF Academy followed the parade.
Among others, ministers, advisers to the PM, high civil and military officials, diplomats of foreign mission in Bangladesh and parents and guardians of the cadets were present on the occasion.