PM for realistic education for armed forces

"The role of the armed forces has become multi-dimensional in the backdrop of the changed security scenario in the present- day world. This should be reflected realistically in their education and training programmes," she said.

She was addressing the Graduation Ceremony of Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) at Mirpur Cantonment here today.

The Prime Minister gave away certificates among the graduating officers as the chief guest of the occasion.

Praising the role of National Defence College (NDC) in creating competent officers for the armed forces, she said, after the independence Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave special emphasis to buildup a disciplined and professional armed forces for Bangladesh.

In line of that, the NDC was established for the higher training of the armed forces officers. "With the passage of time, this institution has been acclaimed in the international arena as a unique military educational institution," she said.

Terming the armed forces as the symbol of the country's independence and sovereignty, Sheikh Hasina today said, her government is committed to doing whatever necessary for the development and welfare of the forces.

She said, members of patriotic armed forces are making significant contributions for tackling natural disasters, construction of infrastructures, socio-economic development, maintaining law and order in aid of civil administration.

"Not only inside the country, members of our Armed Forces have also earned name and fame in foreign lands by their honesty, dedication and professional efficiency," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said, her government during the 1996-2001 tenure, established a number of institutions, including National Defence College, MIST and Armed Forces Medical College.

Despite resources are limited, the government intends to build up a strong, efficient and modern armed force within the available resources, she said adding, "to achieve the goal we have to give importance to modern training and exercise."

The Prime Minister said, her government, following the Defence Policy 1974 framed by the Father of the Nation, implemented various development programmes in light of the 'Forces Goal-2030' during 1996-2001 tenure. "Now the process is going on and it would continue in future," she said.

The Prime Minister greeted the graduates on obtaining the PSC degree, saying, the knowledge accumulated through the course would help them discharging professional responsibilities and facing future challenges.

She said, members of Bangladesh Armed Forces are contributing significantly for restoring democracy, social development, health and education in various countries under the emblem of UN mission. Their success has brightened the image of Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister said, "Bangladesh firmly believes in peaceful resolution of all bilateral, regional and international disputes in all corners of the globe. Our standpoint against all kinds of terrorism is very clear. Our armed forces must move forward being imbued with that ideal," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said, her government always served people as their servant, not as master. Her government treated equally with every people on corruption issues, establishing rule of law and eradicating militancy and terrorism.

In doing this, she said, her government has got overwhelming support and cooperation form the armed forces.

Sheikh Hasina said, her government has been working to turn the country into a middle incoming one by 2021 and graduate it to a developed one by the year 2041.

Congratulating the foreign NDC graduates, the Prime Minister hoped that they would now act as goodwill ambassador of Bangladesh in their countries.

"During your stay you have certainly got positive impressions about the people and culture of Bangladesh which would help deepen relations of your country with us," she said.

This year, a total of 188 officers including 100 officers from Bangladesh Army, 23 from Bangladesh Navy, 21 officers from Bangladesh Air Force and 44 overseas officers from China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kuwait, Liberia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Turkey, USA and Zambia have successfully completed DSCSC course this year.

DSCSC is a tri-services training institution of Bangladesh Armed Forces with a purpose to prepare officers of three services for the assumption of increasing responsibilities both in command and staff appointment.

So far, 2965 Bangladeshi officers and 808 overseas officers from 37 countries have completed graduation course from the college.

Source: BSS & other news sources