Bangladesh will remain as a victorious nation: PM Sheikh Hasina

"This country is ours, the soil is ours and people are ours. So, with united efforts of all, Bangladesh would be developed as a prosperous and peaceful country in South Asia and people of Bangladesh would live in the world keeping their heads high," she said.

The prime minister said this at the reception organized at Senakunja, Dhaka Cantonment here on Saturday afternoon marking the Bangladesh Armed Forces Day-2015.

Bangladesh has earned victory through a War of Liberation under the leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. So, we would live as a victorious nation and we would build our country in this manner.

Inshallah Bangladesh would be a middle income country much ahead of 2021 and as a developed one by 2041. We would build a golden Bangladesh Inshallah fulfilling the dream of the Father of the Nation, she said.

Paying her rich tributes to the martyrs and the persons who made immense sacrifice for independence, the prime minister said the countrymen always remember the contributions of our armed forces in the War of Liberation.

The prime minister said Father of the Nation had taken the responsibility of building a war ravaged country. Despite financial constraint Bangbandhu had taken initiative to build smart armed forces side by side rebuilding the national economy.

Bangabandhu founded the foundation of the armed forces of an independent country and he had established the military academy, combined school, training schools and institutions for development of the training and organizational structure of the armed forces. The very existence of the present armed forces of Bangladesh is based on that foundation, she said.

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Chief Justice S K Sinha, former President H M Ershad, cabinet members, leader of the Opposition Begum Rowshan Ershad, Deputy Leader of the Jatiya Sangsad Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, parliament members, chiefs of three services, members of the Bangladesh armed forces and their spouses, leaders of different political parties, professionals and diplomats attended the reception.

After addressing the audience, the Prime Minister moved round the venue of the reception and exchanged pleasantries with the army officials and their family members, diplomats and other guests.

Lauding the role of Bangladesh Armed Forces at home and abroad in nation building activities and peace keeping the prime minister said their professionalism and competence transcended across the globe. They have brightened the country's image in the United Nations through their relentless services.

Sheikh Hasina said members of the armed forces have earned confidence of the people and they are playing a very significant role in infrastructure building and expediting socio-economic development of the country, she said adding that the armed forces also have a very remarkable role in building Digital Bangladesh.

The prime minister said Father of the Nation had framed the defence policy of Bangladesh in 1974. In the light of that policy the Awami League government has prepared the Forces Goal-2030 and implementing the goal in phases aimed at building a modern armed force.

Sheikh Hasina said efforts are going on to equip the army, navy and air force with modern training and equipment. With this end in view, infantry divisions were constituted in Sylhet and Ramu, Cox's Bazaar. The government has taken steps to constitute a full-fledged division in the southern part of the country; she said adding war power is being strengthened with the support of the friendly countries.

Pointing out the settlement of maritime territory with neighbouring countries the prime minister said the government has taken steps to build the navy as a three dimensional force. Two submarines would be inducted in navy by next year, she said.

The prime minister said her government has taken steps to provide modern healthcare services. In view of this, four advanced life-support ambulances were procured. Telemedicine system was introduced in the combined military hospitals. Steps were also taken for resolving the housing problems of the members of the armed forces.

Sheikh Hasina said the Awami League government is continuing its efforts to build modern armed forces and it would continue this in the coming days. Steps are being taken to complete the projects within the current tenure of the government, she said adding that people of the country get something when awami League come to power.

Highlighting the country's current socio-economic scenario, the prime minister said the poverty rate decreased to 22.42 percent while abject poverty rate has come down to 7.92 percent. Per capita income of the people has increased to US$ 1,314.

Bangladesh now exports food. Life expectancy of the people is 70.7 years. Country's average growth rate is 6.5 percent. Export growth has increased by three times while foreign exchange reserves have shot up six times. Five crore people elevated their position from low income to middle income, the prime minister said. She sought support of all to keep the country's ongoing progress unabated in the coming days.

The prime minister said the members of the armed forces who are imbued with the spirit of the War of Liberation are pride for Bangladesh. She wished constant success of the force and prayed for better future and bright career of the members of the armed forces.

News: BSS
Photo: Focus Bangla