Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh is always ready and determined to protect its sovereignty from any foreign attack. He said these things at the inauguration of the newly constructed ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Battery Complex’ at the Artillery Center and School in Chittagong’s Halishahar cantonment on Sunday (April 21) morning.

He said, we do not want anyone to undermine our freedom and sovereignty. We want to maintain friendly relations, but we will do whatever is necessary to protect the independence and sovereignty of our country. We must always remember this.

Sheikh Hasina said, we always want peace. Our country is independent and sovereign. We have gained victory through war. We must hold on to the freedoms we won by winning the war.

The head of government said that now the war is being done through digital means. For this reason, it is necessary to build a modern, knowledge-based and highly trained armed forces in the country.

He said, we want our armed forces to be better, more efficient and better trained and we are working towards that goal. He also said that since the Bangladesh Army is always on the side of the people in need, now they are a symbol of trust to the nation.

He said that the armed forces will perform their duties motivated by professional skills, conscientiousness, practice, training and patriotism.

The Prime Minister said that the Awami League government is working towards achieving sustainable development goals by 2030 and building a developed, prosperous and smart Bangladesh by 2041.

He said that every member of the Bangladesh Army should be smart with information technology knowledge.

He urged the members of the army to work for the glory of the country with duty, professional skills and patriotism while maintaining trust and loyalty to the leadership.

He briefly described the steps taken by his government for the overall development of the army.

He said that as part of the modernization of the army, modern aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, fourth generation tanks, APCs, anti-tank missiles and other weapons have been added to the army.

Appreciating the overall activities of the army for the welfare of the country, Sheikh Hasina said, ‘Bangladesh army has been well established as a symbol of people’s trust.

He said that Bangladesh Army has been highly praised at home and abroad for its work efficiency and professionalism in the UN peacekeeping mission.

He said, modern light armored vehicles and mine resistant ambush protected vehicles have been procured for the army to enhance operational capability and ensure security in UN missions.