PM Sheikh Hasina calls for identifying militants’ source of money

"Militancy and terrorism is a global concern ... to eliminate such an evil practice against civilization, we need to identify the reason and sources of money. We also have to find out a way for preventing these menaces," she said.

The premier was addressing the Graduation Ceremony of National Defence Course (NDC) and Armed Forces War Course (AFWC) -2016 at Mirpur Cantonment here on Tuesday morning.

Sheikh Hasina said the government has already taken necessary measures to pull away terrorism and militancy. "We are determined to root out the twin monsters from the country forever," she said.

The premier said in addition to social awareness against this evil, the law enforcement agencies have been kept ready in all possible ways to fight terrorism and militancy.

"Besides, we have been able to create awareness against terrorism and militancy by involving the people of all classes and professions, which is the foundation of our success," she said.

The premier renewed her government`s firm stance not to allow Bangladesh`s soil to be used for terrorist or insurgent acts.

"We never allow anybody to generate any evil act like using the demography of Bangladesh that was seen in previous regime ... we will continue to remain as a nation of peace guided by pluralism, secularism and the spirit of liberation war," she said.

In this connection, the premier highlighted Bangladesh's role in solving security-related problems to improve bilateral ties with other South Asian countries.

"We are developing inter-state relations based on our foreign policy ... our strategy and policy have proven to be effective in human development and economic empowerment of the people in general," she said.

Sheikh Hasina, however, said there remain serious challenges in ensuring continuing growth and development. "I believe with your acquired knowledge from respective course, you will be better prepared to tackle these challenges," she said.

The prime minister said the developing countries have to remain prepared to face unexpected challenges originating from the ever changing environment of the 21st century.

"It is a must that the developing countries build increasing economic relations among themselves to diversify and strengthen their economies," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh has resolved many security problems that were constraining bilateral relations and the vision was to develop an integrated regional economy.

In last eight years, she said, the South Asian region has seen substantial progress on security issues, bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation.

The prime minister said in the present globalize world, continuously improving technologies are increasing connections among all the people, which eased living standard. "But those sometimes create adverse effects as well," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the government has ensured legitimate safeguards in light of national security concerns and also successfully encouraged effective use of technology.

The prime minister said her government has been relentlessly working to build a professional and trained armed forces to safeguard country's independence and sovereignty.

She said Bangladesh is extensively observing changing war strategy and technology and reevaluating the capability of its armed forces regularly.

"We remain active for taking all timely measures for modernizing our armed forces to increase its capability of facing multiple challenges of the 21st century," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the government has ensured the Armed Forces' access to latest technologies and equipment, while adequate training facilities have been established and made operational for them.

The prime minister said the Armed Forces members have always worked with integrity, commitment and diligence to help the people in times of natural calamities and disasters.

"They have implemented strategic infrastructure projects and worked generally at very high standards both at home and abroad," she said.

Highlighting the background of establishment of the National Defense College (NDC), the premier said before 1996, there was no institution for the higher training of senior and mid level officers of Armed Forces in the country.

"We established the NDC during our 1996-2001 tenure and this institution has turned into an internationally reputed training institution. It is indeed a matter of pride for us," she said.

The premier said that she is happy that the National Defense College is dedicated to train the operational and strategic leaders from home and abroad, from militaries to civil services and the policymakers.

"They are contributing to the promotion of a culture of peace, accountability and transparency," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the college is actively promoting democratic values, rule of law, political culture and human rights among the course members. "I hope you will work to spread the same message across our nation-states," she said

"I hope that with the dedication and commitment of all concerned the college will gain more prominence in the coming days by maintaining the standards and continuing its development," she said.

She also expressed her optimism that the officers who were graduated from the NDC would take the country towards stability, development and self-reliance through their acquired knowledge, will power and commitment.

Thanking the commandant and members of the faculty and staff of NDC for their excellent standard of professionalism, Sheikh Hasina wished success of this institution and pledged her government's full support for all times to come.

The premier also pointed out her government's relentless strides for socio-economic development of the country.

In this connection, she mentioned construction of different mega projects like Padma Bridge, deep seaport, nuclear power plant, coal-based power project, metro rail, inter-state rail linking project and LNG terminal project.

"Accomplishment of Bangabandhu satellite project and submergible road tunnel at Karnaphuli River in Chittagong is ongoing very rapidly. And to tell you with confidence that before us no one even thought of this kind of project," she said, adding this mega projects will make the country's economy stronger and sustainable.

Commandant of the National Defence College Lt. Gen. Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardy gave the welcome address at the function.

A total of 52 persons from Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, administration, police and foreign service took part in this year's NDC course. Besides, 26 members from 12 friendly countries participated in this course.

This year the Armed Forces War Course comprised of 25 lieutenant colonels from army, one captain and four commanders from navy and two group captains and three wing commanders from air force.

Ministers, PM's advisers, parliament members, the chiefs of three services, foreign diplomats, vice-chancellors of different universities as well as high civil and military officials were present on the occasion.