AL never used armed forces as a tool for capturing power: HPM Sheikh Hasina

"Awami League believes in democracy, so the party never used the armed forces as a tool for capturing power or did anything to instigate a coup and killing in the force," she said adding that the Bangladesh Armed Force originated from the War of Liberation is a pride of the nation.

The prime minister said this at a reception organized at Senakunja, Dhaka Cantonment here this afternoon marking the Bangladesh Armed Forces Day-2016.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh Awami League whenever it came to power worked for the development of the armed forces and welfare of its members. The party wanted to build a strong armed force to be reputed at home and abroad.

Congratulating the members of the armed forces on the occasion, she said urged them to be imbued with the ideals and spirit of the Armed Forces Day to work together for the nation.

Highlighting special significance of the day in the history of War of Liberation of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said the valiant fighters of the army, navy and air force launched joint attacks on the occupational force on this day in 1971.

As a result, the devastating occupation force was compelled to surrender amid united assault of the Freedom Fighters and Allied Force, she said.

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, cabinet members, leader of the Opposition Begum Rowshan Ershad, parliament members, chiefs of three the 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 at the international level through their relentless services, she said.

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 the navy very soon, she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman wanted to build a competent and smart armed force and accordingly took necessary initiatives.

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

Bangabandhu laid 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.

The prime minister said Bangabandhu established three naval bases in the country aimed at strengthening the navy. At his personal initiative three war ships were procured from India and Yugoslavia for the navy.

Similarly, a modern air force launched its journey in 1973 after procurement of supersonic MIG-21 fighter plane and defence radar which was a farsighted and bold initiative of the Father of the Nation. Noting the public welfare activities of the armed forces, the prime minister said the armed forces have gained public confidence for those activities. In addition to protecting the country's independence and sovereignty, she said, members of the armed forces are doing extraordinary job in disaster management and development, setting a rare example of patriotism.

The Bangladesh Armed Forces are also playing a remarkable role in building digital Bangladesh, she said.

Pointing out the services of members of the armed forces in the UN peacekeeping missions, the prime minister said the armed forces have earned reputation from the global community for establishing peace, stability and security in different parts of the world.

Many Bangladeshi officers are serving in different senior positions of the UN peacekeeping missions in Sudan, Cyprus and Central Africa as the present government became vocal for the leadership, she said.

Sheikh Hasina said her government has undertaken effective steps to build a strong armed force which would be able to cope with the challenges of the 21st century.

The government has been making constant efforts to equip the army, navy and air force with necessary training and weapons. All three forces are being reorganized and modernized under Armed Forces Goal-2030, she said.

Bangladesh Armed Forces witnessed an unprecedented progress in terms of manpower recruitment and acquisition of arms and others components during the rule of Awami League, she said.

The prime minister said her government has taken steps to provide modern healthcare services to the armed forces members. Steps were also taken for resolving the housing problems of the members of the armed forces, she said.