Jashore, Oct 25, 2018 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon
all concerned to work together for keeping the continuity of development flow
of Bangladesh Air Force with the profound wisdom and vision of Bangabandhu.
“We want to build the Bangladesh Air Force as one of the most modern and
advanced force. We have many plans for further development of the force. We
will implement these plans if we win in the next election,” she said.
The prime minister said this while inaugurating Bangabandhu Complex at
Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) Academy here today.
Sheikh Hasina also urged everybody to work together to build a country with
the spirit of the Liberation War and vision of Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“We are a nation which earned independence through an armed struggle. So, we
have to live among global comity keeping our head high,” she said.
“We don’t want war with any country, but we must have preparation to face
any outside aggression to protect our independence and sovereignty,” the
prime minister said.
Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Complex by unveiling the plaque of bronze bust
sculpture of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at BAF
parade ground.
On her arrival at BAF Academy the prime minister was received by Chief of
Air Staff Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, Air Officer Commanding of BAF
Base Bir Shretra Matiur Rahman Air Vice Marshal Fazlul Haque and Commandant
of BAF Academy Air Commodore Jabed Tanvir Khan.
Ministers, PM’s security advisor, Chiefs of three services, foreign
diplomats, parliament members and high civil and military officials were
present.
Urging members of the Bangladesh Air Force to be self-confident and careful
about own dignity, the prime minister said they have to work with utmost
honesty and patriotism to take the airport force as well as the country
forward.
Sheikh Hasina said Father of the Nation dreamt for a modern, powerful and
professional air force. To materialise his dream the present government since
inception in its office is making constant stride to build a modern Air
Force.
Bangabandhu had taken the farsighted decision by procuring ophisticated MIG
21 supersonic fighter, cargo air craft, helicopter and defence radar for
Bangladesh Air Force soon after the independence of the country, she said.
“Keeping Bangabandhu’s vision alive we have continued the development and
modernization of air force,” she said.
According to an ISPR release, Bangabandhu Complex was built as one of the
world class training centre in order to materialise the Vision-2041 of the
present government. This complex will play a pioneering role in making
efficient pilots and well qualified military officials.
Sheikh Hasina said her government inducted fourth generation MIG 29, wide
bodied C-130 cargo plane and high-powered air defence radar system in the air
force during 1996-2001 tenure.
Modernization and operational capabilities of the Air Force have increased
to a large extent since 2009 due to the sincere efforts of her government,
she said, adding that the air force has been equipped with F-7BGI fighter,
advanced saloon helicopters, maritime search and rescue helicopters and air
defence missiles.
The premier said Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre has been designed with the
aim of providing safe, affordable and cost-effective maintenance and
overhauling of various types of aircrafts, radars and other equipment
including fighter plane.
“I am very pleased to inform that most recently, Bangladesh Air Force has
been able to overhaul fighter aircraft for the first time. I congratulate all
concerned for this achievement,” Sheikh Hasina said.
The prime minister said the government has asked the Air Force to build a
plant or industry at Lalmonirhat Airport for manufacturing and repairing of
aircrafts.
“I hope, that day is not far away when Bangladesh Air Force will be able to
fly their own aircraft. In this way, we are moving forward towards Vision
2041,” she said.
The prime minister said her government is committed to build a modern and
intelligent armed force. For this purpose, ‘Forces Goal-2030’ has been
formulated which is being implemented gradually.
“As a part of that plan, she said, modern and full-fledged air force base
Bangabandhu has been established. A full-fledged air base has been set up in
Cox’s Bazar for observation of the military and civilian infrastructure in
the south and southeastern parts of the country, especially on the airspace
of the ‘Exclusive Economic Zone’ of the country.
Sheikh Hasina said new air defence radar has been set up in Cox’s Bazar
considering the importance of airspace surveillance. The Air Force has been
providing assistance in the anti-smuggling operations, illegal intrusion in
the sea and illegal fishing.
“Our government is giving importance to the development and modernization of
training facilities for the overall efficiency of the members of the air
force,” the prime minister said.
The training period of the cadets has been increased to improve their basic
training and development and air force training courses have also been
updated, she said.
In order to ensure better and timely training of future generations of the
air force, she said, modern jet and transport training aircraft, helicopter
trainers and MI series helicopter simulators have been added.
As part of the expansion and modernization of the Air Force, the work is
underway for establishment of air bases in Barisal and Sylhet in addition
with acquisition of equipment and infrastructure development, the prime
minister said.
The government has approved a project to set up ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University’ for further advancement of the
aviation sector, she added.
Sheikh Hasina said newly built Bangabandhu Complex has made the dream of
Bangabandhu a true with establishment of an international standard air force
training academy.
“The Complex is the real manifestation of the Digital Bangladesh and it will
ensure the best use of information technology,” she said.
The prime minister said Father of the Nation had a dream for a modern and
international standard training academy for the military, where the trainees
will come from all over the world.
Bangladesh Air Force Academy has reached a new height today, which is a
parallel to the training academy of any developed country, she said.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh has taken place in the world map as a free-
sovereign state through a 23-year political struggle led by Father of the
Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 9-month bloodshed during
Liberation War in 1971.
On the occasion, a spectacular parade was arranged which was followed by a
colourful fly-past of different aircrafts of BAF.
Later, the prime minister inaugurated the operation of 105 Advanced Jet
Training Unit and laid foundation of Airmen Training Institute of BAF Zahurul
Haq Airbase in Chattogram through a video conference.