Play strong role in nation building, PM tells army

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon the members of East Bengal Regiment of Bangladesh Army to play their strong role with professionalism and efficiency in building the nation along side protecting national security and integrity.

The prime minister gave the call while awarding the National Standards to three battalions of the East Bengal Regiment of Bangladesh Army at a function at Chittagong Cantonment today.

Sheikh Hasina formally handed over national flags to the battalion commanders of the 34, 36 and 38 battalions of East Bengal Regiment for being the best or all-rounder units on overall consideration.

The National Standard was conferred to the 34, 36 and 38 battalions of East Bengal Regiment in recognition of efficient work by various units of the three Battalions of the Regiment, for their hard exercise, sincerity, dutifulness and significant contribution towards national development as well as in international arena during war and peace.

The prime minister also urged the members of the regiment to be always ready to make highest sacrifice in protecting the dignity of the National Flag they were awarded in recognition of their efficiency, hard exercise and dutifulness.

She termed attaining the National Flag as a matter of dignity and glory for any unit in any Force, saying that it is the symbol of National Independence and Sovereignty.

Mentioning that the history of the East Bengal Regiment with the motto 'Grace, Strength and Speed' as very glorious and traditional, Hasina said history of this regiment is even older than the history of the country’s Army.

“Members of this regiment had worked together shoulder to shoulder with the people during any disaster along side accomplishing their main responsibility of protecting sovereignty of the country.”

She recalled with gratitude the contributions of the Armed Forces in facing national disasters, developing infrastructures of the country, making of National ID Cards and voter lists as well as their role in other services and development oriented works of the government.

They earned respect, love and trust of the people through their services and dutifulness, the prime minister said, adding that her government has full trust and faith on the Armed Forces.

She said the Armed Forces are brightening the image not only in the country but also in the international arena by performing their duties with efficiency and sincerity.

In this connection, she asked them to contribute to the welfare-oriented works for the cause of the country and its people.

Hasina said that during its previous tenure, her government took effective initiatives to turn the Armed Forces into a modern and professionally efficient force.

In this regard, she mentioned establishment of various large units including National Defense College, Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training, and Military Institute of Science and Technology.

Considering the vastness and working area of the infantry units as well as to enhance dynamism in its works, the Bangladesh Infantry Regiment was established in 2001, she said.

The prime minister also mentioned that construction work of a modern training complex is progressing fast in the traditional East Bengal Regiment centre.

She said that the members of the Armed Forces have taken Bangladesh into a respected position in global arena through efficient discharge of their duties in the UN Peacekeeping Missions.

“The country belongs to all of us and we've to built it as a developed nation through united efforts of all.”

The parade and the conferring of National Standard to 34, 36 and 38 battalions of East Bengal Regiment were held at the traditional Bangladesh East Bengal Regiment Centre in Chittagong.

Currently there are some 38 units under the East Bengal Regiment. Of them, 34 East Bengal, formed on January 1, 1977, is known as 'Deadly Tigers'; 36 East Bengal, formed on November 1, 1977, is known as 'Dashing Tigers'; and 38 East Bengal, formed on June 16, 1980, is known as 'Skilled 38'.

The East Bengal Regiment, imbued with the motto of 'Grace, Strength and Speed', has a very traditional and proud history as the Regiment was raised during the British colonial rule.

On her arrival at the parade ground, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was received by Army Chief General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan.

Hasina inspected the parade riding an open jeep and then took salute from the parade. Parade commander Lt Col M Bashirul Haque conducted the parade.

Cabinet Members, diplomats, Navy Chief, Members of Parliament, and high civil and military officials were present.