ZCZC
BSS-10
PM-PROPAGANDA 3 LAST DHAKA
The prime minister said as a dignified nation it has consolidated its
position in the world through massive development. “We’re taking Bangladesh
forward by holding the ideology of Bangabandhu in the hearts and following
his footsteps,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina reiterated her aim to build Bangladesh as a hunger and
poverty-free Sonar Bangla as dreamt by the Father of the Nation.
“Bangladesh has graduated to a developing country from a least developed
one and it’s our vow that we’ll surely materialise the dream of Bangabandhu
Insha Allah,” she said.
The prime minister said Bangladesh has earned independence in exchange for
blood of millions of martyrs, and their sacrifices cannot go in vain.
Sheikh Hasina also renewed her firm determination to do everything
necessary for the welfare of the freedom fighters and their successors.
“We’re pledge-bound to ensure welfare and socioeconomic prosperity of the
valiant freedom fighters. We’re working to establish their highest dignity
and honour as well as recognise their contributions to the war of
liberation,” she said.
The prime minister said her government is implementing massive programmes
to ensure welfare of the freedom fighters.
In this regard, she highlighted construction of Muktijoddha Complex in all
districts and upazilas of the country, preservation of places that carry the
memory of war and construction of liberation war museums.
Sheikh Hasina said the great task of safeguarding the country’s
independence and sovereignty has been vested in the armed forces.
Apart from performing this sacred responsibility, she said, the members of
the patriotic armed forces have been continuously extending necessary support
to various fields including combating natural disasters, constructing
infrastructures and maintaining law and order.
“That’s why, we’re implementing various welfare-oriented programmes for
the armed forces including modernisation as well as physical and
infrastructural development,” she said.
The prime minister thanked the Armed Forces Division, Bangladesh Army,
Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force for taking initiatives to formally
honour the freedom fighters.
She expressed her firm belief that the armed forces will continue their
welfare-oriented programmes for the distressed and insolvent freedom fighters
and their family members.
At the outset of her speech, Sheikh Hasina extended her heartfelt
greetings and congratulations to all members of the armed forces on the
occasion of the Armed Forces Day.
She said on this historic day, the fearless armed forces members and mass
people of the country launched a coordinated attack together against the
Pakistani occupation forces.
“As a result our victory was sped up and we earned independent and
sovereign Bangladesh,” she said.
Earlier, the prime minister presented honorarium cheques and gifts to the
successors of seven Birshreshthos as well as other gallantry award-recipient
freedom fighters.
She also handed over “Bishistho Seba Padak” to Army Chief General Aziz
Ahmed, as well as peacetime “Bahini Padak” to nine army members, two navy
members and three air force members.
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 Siddique, Chief of Army Staff General Aziz
Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Abu Mozaffar Mohiuddin Mohammad Aurangzeb
Chowdhury and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat and
high civil and military officials were present.
As many as 101 gallantry-award recipient freedom fighters and their heirs
including close relatives of seven Birshreshthos joined the function.
BSS/SH/ARS/1440 hrs