We don’t want war but look for strong armed forces: PM

GB news 24 desk//

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the Armed Forces of Bangladesh need to be elevated to such a standard that goes with an independent country.

“We won’t engage in war with anyone. We don’t want war. But the Armed Forces will have to be elevated to such a standard that matches an independent country,” she said while addressing a reception at Senakunja of Dhaka Cantonment marking the Armed Forces Day 2018, according to UNB report.

The prime minister further said, “We won’t spare anyone if we’re attacked. We’ll resist them till our last breath.”

She said her government has taken all steps to equip every force with modern firearms and training.

Sheikh Hasina said her government formulated the Forces Goal 2030 on the basis of the Defence Policy 1974 framed by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for the Armed Forces.

Mentioning that Bangladesh gave shelter to 1.1 million persecuted Rohingyas on humanitarian ground, she said it continues its efforts to resolve the crisis through negotiations. “Myanmar has already announced that they’ll take Rohingyas back from Bangladesh.”

The prime minister also said, “Bangladesh has been able to ensure all the arrangements competently giving shelter to Rohingyas whereas many developed countries face troubles in providing shelter to refugees.”

She thanked the country’s people, particularly the locals of Cox’s Bazar, the administration, law enforcement agencies and Armed Forces, for their cooperation in ensuring accommodation and food for the Rohingyas who fled persecutions in Rakhine state of Myanmar.

PM’s Security Affairs Adviser Maj Gen (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat were present on the occasion.

After addressing the audience, the Prime Minister exchanged pleasantries with the army officials and their family members, diplomats and other guests.