CHATTOGRAM, Dec 8, 2018 (BSS) – President M Abdul Hamid today asked the
newly-inducted military officers to remain always alert for safeguarding the
country’s hard-earned independence and sovereignty keeping in mind the cost
the nation had to pay for it.
“Bear in mind that our independence was achieved in exchange for huge
bloodshed and supreme sacrifice,” he told the ‘President’s Parade 2018’ of
76th army Long Course officers at Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) at
Bhatiari.
The president, also the armed forces supreme commander, simultaneously
asked the newly commissioned officers to be the partners of common people in
their “happiness-sorrow and smile-cry”.
“Stand by the distressed people during their distress and tough time,” he
said.
Referring to Bangladesh Army’s outstanding contribution in various
development activities, he hoped that the newly commissioned officers would
establish ideals through their works which others to follow.
The head of the state hoped that the army would strengthen its position
worldwide by dint of their efficiency, merit and knowledge.
“Bangladesh Army is a symbol of nation’s pride. At this happy moment, I
extend my heartiest good wishes and congratulations to all fresh army
officers,” Hamid said.
He said Bangladesh Army was born through the great Liberation War in 1971,
adding that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman framed a
defense policy in 1974 to build a strong and trained army suitable for an
independent country.
The President said Bangabandhu took initiatives for establishing a world-
standard military academy in Bangladesh alongside infrastructural development
of different cantonments with opening Bangladesh Military Academy in Comilla
Cantonment in 1974.
President Hamid described BMA as a modern and international standard
academy while in recent years the institute earned an extra status in the
global military arena by introducing a four-year honours and engineering
degree courses.
“People in the globe not only visit here (military academy), but also
impart training from here,” he observed.
He said the incumbent government formulated the Forces Goal-2030 enhancing
overall capability of Bangladesh Army to a greater extent.
Earlier, the President reviewed the smartly turned out parade riding on an
open jeep and took salute at the impressive march-past.
Through today’s parade, a total of 257 cadets including 37 female, two
Saudi Arabians and one Sri Lankan were commissioned.
Battalion Senior Under Officer AKM Injamamul as the best all-round cadet
in the 76 BMA Long Course, received the “Sword of Honour” from the President
while Company Senior Officer Ibnee Ezaz Hasan received the “Chief of Army
Staff (CAS) Gold Medal” for acquiring highest standard in the military
subjects on the occasion.
Diplomats, senior political leaders, Chief of Army Staff General Aziz
Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed, Chief of Air Staff Air
Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, members of parliament, secretaries
concerned to the president, high civil and military officials, and parents
and guardians of the newly-commissioned officers were present.