Serve country, protect independence: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged the members of Bangladesh Army to devote themselves to serving the nation side by side with their regular work to protect the country`s independence and sovereignty.

"Devote yourselves to serving the county along with staying alert always in discharging duties," she said adding that their prime and foremost vow should be protection of the country`s independence and sovereignty.

The Prime Minister was addressing the President Parade marking the commissioning of the cadets of 73rd BMA Long Course and 44th BMA Special Course at Bhatiary here today.

The prime minister told the new cadets, "You are going to enter into a broader service area of the Bangladesh Army. You are taking holy responsibility of protecting the country`s independence and sovereignty. So you have to stay alert and be ready to save the country`s independence and sovereignty even giving the last drop of your blood."

Congratulating the newly commissioned officers of Bangladesh Army the prime minister urged them to serve the country and people with utmost devotion and uphold the professional integrity.

The prime minister said Bangladesh Armed Force, which came into existence through the War of Liberation, is a pride of the nation. The force has come to today`s position following the path showed by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Ministers, PM`s advisors, senior military and civil officials, chiefs of three services, diplomats and guardians of the newly commissioned cadets were present.

On arrival at the BMA parade ground, the Prime Minister was received by Army Chief General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, BMA Commandant Major General Md. Jahangir Kabir Talukder and GOC of 24 Infantry Division and Chittagong Area Commander Major General M. Shafiqur Rahman.

The prime minister reviewed the smartly turned out parade and took salute of the impressive march past as the chief guest. She also distributed awards among best cadets for their outstanding performance in the academy.

A total of 194 cadets including one Sri Lankan and one Nepali got commission this year. Among the 189 cadets including eight female cadets are from 73rd BMA Long Course and five cadets are from the 44th BMA Special Course.

Battalion Senior Under Officer Md. Ahsan Ullah was adjudged as the best all round cadet and received Sword of Honour while Company Senior Under Officer Md. Ruhani Rabbi Hamza received the gold medal of Chief of Army Staff for his outstanding achievement in military subject.

The cadets formally took oath and were adorned with the rank badges by Prime Minister and parents and guardians of new cadets. The hour long passing out parade and oath taking ceremony were held with the spirit stimulating sounds of drums and instruments and singing of patriotic songs enthralling high civil and military officials attended there.

The impressive and colourful parade was witnessed by distinguished senior officers of Bangladesh armed forces, high ranking govt officials, military and defence attach,s of diplomatic missions, local elites and guardians of cadets.