PM calls on army to be vigilant against internal, external threats

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on the Bangladesh Army to be ready to face internal and external threats for protecting the constitution and the sovereignty of the country.

“You’ll have to be always ready to jointly face any threat, be it internal or external, for protecting the holy constitution and the sovereignty of the motherland,” the premier said on Sunday while addressing the ‘National Standard’ Awarding Ceremony to four battalions of Bangladesh Infantry Regiment (BIR) of the Bangladesh Army in Rajshahi Cantonment.

PM Sheikh Hasina conferred the ‘National Standard’ upon the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Bangladesh Infantry Regiments in recognition of their excellence, hard practice and dutifulness.

The PM told the audience that the army has always extended their cooperation to the government in serving people.

“I believe the army will stand beside people whenever needed during the tenure of the present government,” the PM said while thanking the army personnel for playing a significant role in upholding the democratic process by performing their duty sincerely in the 11th parliamentary election.

In addition to that, the Prime Minister also thanked the people of the country for giving her a chance to form the government for the fourth term and the consecutive third term.

The Prime Minister said the Army is engaged in nation-building activities like construction of Padma Bridge and Cox’s Bazar-Technaf Marine Drive, alongside their main duty.

She added that Bangladesh Army earned rare dignity and image for Bangladesh through their sacrifice, sincerity and professionalism in establishment of world peace and different foreign missions.

She said a process is on to modernise the Bangladesh Army following the foresighted guidelines of the Father of the Nation.
PM Sheikh Hasina said she approved in principle the formation of Bangladesh Infantry Regiment in 1999 and formally hoisted the flag of BIR on April 21, 2001.

“It’s the only regiment which was formed after the Independence of Bangladesh,” she said adding that now there are 43 units and two Para-commando battalions under the BIR.
She added that Bangladesh is marching forward and will continue on the path of development.

The PM was greeted with a perfectly timed parade of the four battalions of the BIR at the Rajshahi cantonment.

As the Prime Minister arrived at the parade ground, Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed received her.

She inspected the parade riding an open decorated jeep and took salute. The Chief of Army Staff and the Parade Commander were also with the PM at that time.

The Prime Minister handed over the National Flag to the Commanders of the respective battalions.