PM firm to do everything for FFs welfare

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday reiterated her determination to do everything necessary for the welfare of the freedom fighters and their successors calling the War of Liberation as the “greatest episode” in Bangladesh’s history.

“The country was liberated due to great sacrifice of the freedom fighters and they have invaluable contribution to establishing Bangladesh as a dignified nation in the world . . . so I would continue to do whatever necessary for the welfare of the freedom fighters and their successors,” she told a reception on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day 2016, reports BSS.

The prime minister accorded the reception to the successors of Birshreshthos, and the highest gallantry award-recipient freedom fighters, at the Armed Forces Division at Dhaka Cantonment this morning.

Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division (AFD) Lt Gen Md Mahfuzur Rahman delivered the welcome address at the function.

Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, PM’s Security Advisor Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddiq, Chief of Army Staff General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Haque, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmad and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Abu Esrar and high civil and military officials were present.

At the reception, Sheikh Hasina distributed identity cards, the first of its kind, among the armed forces gallantry award-recipient freedom fighters who are alive.

She also presented honorarium cheques, and gifts including “shwal” and mobile tabs to the successors of seven Birshreshthos as well as other gallantry award-recipients.

The prime minister also handed over “Bahini Padak” (forces medals) and “Osamanya Seba Padak” (outstanding service medals) among five armed forces officers in recognition to their heroic role in war and peacetime.

Sheikh Hasina, also the daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, said she knows the pain for losing the near and dear ones. “I’m continuing work for the welfare of the country and people containing this pain in my heart,” she said.

She added: “That’s why we always consider those who lost their dear and near ones in the Liberation War and who were wounded and who made contribution to the war of independence as respected persons . . . it’s our responsibility for continuing work for their welfare.”