প্রকাশ: 21/03/2023
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
today said her government is building the armed forces in such a way as it can
defend the country's independence and sovereignty if Bangladesh is attacked.
"We don't want war with anyone. But, we have to attain
enough efficiency to protect our independence and sovereignty if Bangladesh
falls into such situation and we're preparing our forces keeping that in
mind," she said.
The premier said this while commissioning the newly
constructed naval submarine base "BNS Sheikh Hasina" by unveiling its
nameplate, joining virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence here.
The inaugural function was held at Pekua in Cox's Bazar.
The prime minister said her government is maintaining the
foreign policy adopted by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman, "Friendship to all, malice to none."
She asked the armed forces personnel to continue efforts to
materialise Father of the Nation's dream of building developed, prosperous and
Smart Bangladesh by 2041 free from hunger and poverty alongside discharging
professional duties.
"We have established the Bangladesh Navy as a smart
force. We will build every organisation as modern with up-to-date and
technological knowledge," she said.
The premier said they have adopted a "Blue
Economy" policy and are working to use the vast marine resources in
flourishing country's national economy and thus to contribute to ensuring
overall development of Bangladesh.
She said the newly commissioned submarine base would help
navy increase its operational capacity to secure the vast marine resources
while the ships passing through the Bay of Bengal also can take help from the
base.
"A proud chapter is added to the history of Bangladesh
Navy with commissioning the complete and ultra-modern submarine base," she
said.
The premier also witnessed the first flag hoisting ceremony
in the submarine base of the navy.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal gave the
address of welcome at the venue in Pekua.
A brief audio-visual documentary of the submarine base was
screened at the function.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangabandhu had enacted the Territorial
Waters and Maritime Zones Act, 1974 to establish Bangladesh’s rights on its
maritime boundaries.
But, the United Nations adopted the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982 as an international maritime
law, she said.
After 21 years , when AL government assumed power in 1996, Sheikh Hasina said her government had taken some measures
and signed the UN unclose to this end, adding that the Zia, Ershad and
Khaleda’s governments did not take any measures.
After coming to power for the second time in 2009, the prime
minister said they have been able to establish Bangladesh’s rights on the vast
marine areas and its resources from neighbouring India and Myanmar with
maintaining the friendly relations.
Sheikh Hasina said her government formulated "Forces
Goal 2030" in line with Bangabandhu’s Defence Policy-1974 after assuming
power in 2009 and is now implementing the goal aimed at transforming all the
military forces as modern and time-worthy organizations.
In last 14 years, a
total of 31 warships, including four
frigates, six corvettes, four
large patrol crafts, five patrol crafts
and two training ships were added to the
fleet of Bangladesh Navy, she said.
"We added two submarines on March 12 in 2017. As a
result, today our Navy was established as a three-dimensional naval
force," she added.
The premier said Bangladesh is currently building ships in
local shipyards for its own uses and for others.
Bangladesh Navy has completed the construction of five patrol craft including large ones in Khulna shipyard, she said.
প্রধান সম্পাদকঃ সৈয়দ বোরহান কবীর
ক্রিয়েটিভ মিডিয়া লিমিটেডের অঙ্গ প্রতিষ্ঠান
বার্তা এবং বাণিজ্যিক কার্যালয়ঃ ২/৩ , ব্লক - ডি , লালমাটিয়া , ঢাকা -১২০৭
নিবন্ধিত ঠিকানাঃ বাড়ি# ৪৩ (লেভেল-৫) , রোড#১৬ নতুন (পুরাতন ২৭) , ধানমন্ডি , ঢাকা- ১২০৯
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