Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the Bangladesh Army to remain alert to face the internal and external threats remaining united to protect the country’s sovereignty and sacred the constitutions. “I believe that you will discharge your responsibility by maintaining discipline, mutual faith and keeping trust in your superior leadership,” she asked this to the members of the army during a flag-hoisting function of seven units including 2 Infantry Brigades of the newly formed 10 Infantry Division in Ramu, Cax’s Bazar.
Sheikh Hasina said, “Significant numbers of modern arms, ammunitions, vehicles and helicopters have been inducted in Bangladesh army for further boosting its capability and efficiency. We have a plan to establish another division at Lebukhali in Patuakhali to protect the southern border. In continuation of this, we will build the Bangladesh Army as a time-befitting force.” The Prime Minister said that Bangbandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was given directives in 1974 that the river Padma, river Meghna and river Jamuna have divided the entire country into three parts, and accordingly, the army will have to be operated under three commands. “To execute Bangabandhu’s plan, we took the steps to raise moral and psychological strength as well as professional knowledge of every member of the army side by side with its infrastructural development since 1996,” she said. “I hope that every member of the newly-formed brigades and units would help increase the strength of the division being inspired with patriotism,” the premier added.
“The establishment of Ramu Cantonment has created a hope among the locals,” Sheikh Hasina said. Sheikh Hasina remembered, “When I raised the flag of the 10 Infantry Division one year ago, there were no necessary installations. But the complete outlook of the garrison that I observed within the gap of a year has assured me.”
“After assuming power in 2009, we adopted the Forces Goal-2030 to continue the trend of implementation of the Defence Policy 1974,” Sheikh Hasina informed. “As part of implementing the goal, we have already established the 17 Infantry Division in Sylhet, the 10 Infantry Division in Ramu and a Composite Brigade for security and supervision of the Padma Bridge Project,” she said.
The Prime Minister inaugurated two infantry brigades, seven units of the 10 divisions. She also inaugurated a road being constructed by the 10 Infantry Division titled ‘Bir Sarani’, memorial ‘Ajeyo’ commemorating the division, a multipurpose shade ‘Birangan’ and a composite barrack named ‘Matamuhuri’ built at Alikadom cantonment. She also laid foundation stones of four SM Barracks to be constructed at the Ramu Cantonment. Ministers for communications, works, chairman and members of the parliamentary standing committee on defence ministry affairs, PM’s Security Advisor, parliament members, chiefs of the three forces and senior civil and military efficers were present on the occasion.