Stay alert to conspiracies

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with graduates of the National Defence Course-2012 and guests at the graduation ceremony held at Mirpur Cantonment in the capital yesterday. Photo: Banglar Chokh

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the armed forces and civil administration officials, and people to remain alert about the anti-liberation forces' conspiracy against the sovereignty of the nation.
"The anti-liberation forces are trying hard to raise their heads again. They are on a destructive path ignoring the democratic one…their conspiracies will continue.
“I urge the patriotic armed forces, civil administration and the people of the country to remain alert," she said.
The premier made the remarks while addressing the graduation ceremony of National Defence Course and Armed Forces War Course 2012 at Mirpur Cantonment in the capital.
Hasina recalled that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had dreamt of building a strong armed force in 1966.
“He [Bangabandhu] also demanded to establish a military academy, provincial naval headquarters and ordnance factory on this land [at that time],” she added.
The premier said her government had always focused on well-trained and professional armed forces, and kept on increasing the defence budget for the last four years.
She also said her government, during its previous tenure, had established the National Defence College (NDC) as there was no institution for higher training of armed forces officials before 1996.
“This institution has turned into an internationally reputed training organisation. It's indeed a matter of pride for the nation,” she added.
Hasina mentioned that new battleships had been procured while the runways were being expanded with the high-tech modern equipment.
Besides, the government was lobbying in international forums aiming to increase the participation of Bangladesh army personnel in peacekeeping forces.
She also said the present government had introduced new medical facilities, and upgraded educational institutions and ration scale for the welfare of armed forces officials and their families apart from strengthening the force.
Food security, energy security, social security, international relationship, control of cyber world, environmental security -- all these are the challenges of the 21st century.
"If any of these securities becomes vulnerable, the national security will be in danger," she added.
The premier suggested the participants of courses to apply their knowledge and experiences while discharging their duties.
Highlighting various successes of her government, Hasina sought support from people again to turn Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021.
A total of 63 senior army and civil officials, including those from China, Malaysia, India, Pakistan attended the NDC course while 24 local defence officials participated in the Armed Forces War Course this year.
Commandant of the college Lt Gen Molla Fazle Akbar gave the welcome address at the function.