Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday (July 13) said the people have full confidence in the Bangladesh Army, describing it as a symbol of the country’s independence and sovereignty.
“The Army has repeatedly set shining examples of professionalism, courage and patriotism in dealing with national crises, ensuring the country’s security and maintaining law and order,” he said.
The prime minister made the remarks while visiting the Bangladesh Army’s summer exercise in the Purba Rahmatpur area of Babuganj upazila in Barishal around 11:30am.
During the visit, Tarique interacted with army personnel deployed inside the jungle, asked about their well-being and encouraged them to carry out their duties with dedication and professionalism.
He said the discipline, efficiency, sacrifice and sense of duty of army personnel had earned the force a special place in the hearts of the people.
“To preserve this trust and respect, professional training, the use of modern technology and the highest level of preparedness must be maintained,” he said.
Referring to his family background, Tarique said: “I grew up in an army family. That is why I feel very happy whenever I come among army personnel. It reminds me of my childhood memories.”
The prime minister said he hoped the Bangladesh Army would earn greater reputation, dignity and professional recognition beyond the country’s borders.
“The government will provide all necessary support to enhance the capability, modernisation and reputation of the Army,” he said.
Tarique later walked through the jungle to observe training activities and wartime preparedness exercises by army personnel.
He observed the positioning, movement and combat-oriented activities of soldiers in the rugged and dense terrain. Army officers briefed him on different aspects of the exercise and the strategic preparedness of the troops.
The prime minister also observed the operation of an anti-drone multi-barrel system used to detect and counter enemy drones. Army officers explained the operational procedures of the defence system and its battlefield use.
At one stage, Tarique sat on the ground with army personnel, listened to their experiences about training, responsibilities and field-level duties, and shared a meal prepared under battlefield conditions.
He was served plain rice, lentils, mashed potatoes, shrimp and egg curry cooked over a fire lit with candles inside a tin container.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Prime Minister's Military Secretary Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq and senior officials of the Bangladesh Army attended the event.
FA/R
