Always be prepared to defend country

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Bangladesh Armed Forces must have necessary preparedness to protect the country's independence and sovereignty keeping pace with technological development.

The premier said this while addressing the Selection Board Meeting of Bangladesh Navy and Air Force at Dhaka Cantonment.

She joined the meeting at the headquarters of the navy and air force through a video conference from her official residence Gono Bhaban.

Hasina said Bangladesh never wants war with any country, rather it wants peace as no country can achieve desired development without peace.

"We don't want to go down the path of destruction. But if anyone attacks us, we have to take all kinds of preparations to protect our country," she said.

Hasina said the government is building the armed forces in such a way so that it can protect the country's independence and sovereignty.

She also put emphasis on attaining new technology-based knowledge.

Referring to the foreign policy framed by Bangabandhu, the prime minister said Bangladesh follows the principle of "Friendship to all and Malice to none".

She mentioned that the country has been advancing by maintaining friendly relations efficiently with all countries in the region.

Hasina, however, made it clear that Bangladesh must have all necessary preparations to safeguard the country from any external attacks.

For that, she emphasised on ensuring training for the members of the armed forces and having modern equipment for them to keep pace with the developed world.

The premier highlighted that the National Defence Policy-2018 has been formulated in continuation of the defence policy of Bangabandhu, while the government is implementing the forces goal-2030 to modernise the armed forces.

About the promotion in the navy and air force, Hasina asked the authorities concerned to select qualified leaders for promotion who will be able to lead efficiently in the future.

She said efficient, qualified and IT knowledge-based future leadership would be able to make the navy and air force more modern and time befitting.

In this regard, the premier asked the members of the selection board to make sure that efficient and qualified officers are not deprived of promotion.

Describing the success stories of the navy and air force, Hasina said, they are now recognised as very disciplined and efficient forces at home and abroad.

They achieved honour and dignity for Bangladesh and brightened the image of the country abroad, she added.

Terming herself a servant of people, the prime minister said she has been working tirelessly with the motto of services for the welfare of people. She sought cooperation of the armed forces in serving any cause of the state.