DHAKA, Feb 23, 2021 (BSS) – Calling upon all to be patriot in building the
nation, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed her government’s firm
determination to turn Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous country
within 2041.
“We will celebrate the golden jubilee of country’s independence this year.
Before this, we all will have to be patriotic and courageous. We will build
Bangladesh as a developed and prosperous nation before 2041 with our combined
efforts,” she said.
The prime minister was addressing the “national standard” handing over
ceremony of 11 and 21 Squadrons of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) at Bir Sreshtho
Matiur Rahman Air Base in Jashore, joining virtually from her official
residence Ganabhaban.
Briefly highlighting development plans, she said her government has adopted
“Perspective Plan-2041” and “Delta Plan-2100” for the overall development of
the country and already started implementing different development schemes
under these plans.
Referring to the ongoing implementation of the recently formulated 8th five
year plan, Sheikh Hasina said gradually more five year plans would be adopted
and implemented to forward the country ahead under the Perspective Plan.
“We are implementing these development schemes to take the country ahead
and make it developed and prosperous one as well as for socio-economic
development of the rural people so they get relief of poverty,” she
continued.
Mentioning her government’s determination in the birth centenary of Father
of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the premier said each
homeless person will get a house and each house will be illuminated with
electricity in the “Mujib Borsha”.
Due to Covid-19 pandemic, many programmes were not possible to be
implemented, she said.
But the government is working to ensure the urban facilities in rural
areas such as education of children, medical treatment for all people, safe
drinking water, transportation and sewerage system under the massive
development plan, she added.
Sheikh Hasina went on saying “Our goal is to ensure people’s socioeconomic
development and make the country hunger and poverty free as well as brighten
the image of the country globally.”
On behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief
Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat handed over the National Flags to the
commanders of the respective squadrons.
A smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Air Force gave salute to the
Prime Minister through a spectacular parade.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat also delivered
the vote of thanks.
The prime minister said the government has started work of establishment of
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University and
aeronautical centre to move up space research and forward Bangladesh Air
Force (BAF) and civil aviation.
Noting that BAF has now stood at a reputable position in home and abroad,
she said, “I hope soon BAF will build fighter jets in Bangladesh and be able
to defend country’s air space with our own aircraft.”
Sheikh Hasina said the government has taken steps to protect the country’s
sovereignty and advance the country some steps ahead in defending it.
Protecting the dignity of the national flag is the sacred duty of all the
armed forces personnel, she said, mentioning that the National Flag is a
symbol of nation’s independence, sovereignty, honor and dignity.
The premier said BAF always engages itself in nation’s constructive
activities alongside its regular jobs.
She also thanked the BAF for its role in Covid-19 pandemic situation.
Recalling the efforts of Bangabandhu in building the BAF after country’s
independence, she said the Father of the Nation in 1974 formulated Defense
Policy for Bangladesh.
“Following the footsteps of Bangabandhu, we’ve formulated Forces Goal-2030
to make our armed forces a time-befitting and modern one, and we’ve started
implementing it,” she added.
Sheikh Hasina also in brief highlighted the introduction of various modern
and technology-based equipment in BAF during her government’s tenures.
Turning to the Coronavirus situation, the premier renewed her call to the
country’s people to follow the health protection protocols properly and wear
facemask even after taking Covid-19 vaccine.