ZCZC
BSS-45
PM-MEETING-ARMED FORCES 3 LAST DHAKA
The prime minister asked the authorities concerned to consider one’s qualification, efficiency, patriotism, honesty, loyalty, experience, having faith in the spirit of the Liberation War and leadership quality in giving promotion.
“Give promotion on the basis of equity as confidence could grow among all. I know it wouldn’t be possible to give promotion to all as many people are qualified for that although the posts are limited. Despite the fact you should ensure promotion of those who are really fit for the promotion,” she urged the senior armed forces officials.
She said faith in the spirit of the Liberation War, professional efficiency, leadership, discipline, honesty, truthfulness, field experience, loyalty and effectiveness should be considered while giving promotion in future.
“Make sure that the people who believe in independence, sovereignty and development of Bangladesh alongside having faith in the spirit of Liberation War and patriotism could get the charge so that they can drive the country towards the right direction in the coming days,” she continued.
Sheikh Hasina, also the defence minister, said that she has confidence in the wisdom, judgment and impartiality of the senior officers and hoped that they would select the appropriate persons for promotion.
Referring to her initiative to recruit female officers in the army, the first in the country’s history, the women are doing extremely well in the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions and thus praised by all.
“It’s really a matter of pride for us as 27 female officers have achieved success in paratrooping. Womenfolk are showing their efficiency in all the sectors. My mind become full of joy after seeing pictures of two female pilots (of Bangladesh) at the UN website,” she continued.
The prime minister said the people of the country always remember with gratitude the role of the armed forces during natural calamities
Sheikh Hasina said that the government had placed the national budget likewise the normal period giving required allocation or money to every sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic and urged all to maintain austerity in this regard.
She added: “It is true that we have given a huge budget. But it should not think to expense all the money right now.”
The premier said her government has declared various stimulus packages to offset the economic fallout with providing Taka 30,000 crore to big industries, Taka 20,000 crore to small and medium industries and Taka 10,000 crore to give salaries to RMG factories.
“We’ve also announced packages for others aimed at keeping the wheels of the economy operative,” she said.
The premier said the forex reserve now stands at $ 39.4 billion despite having apprehension by many quarters that the remittance will decline in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.
“The country has enough remittance as the government has declared an incentive for the expatriates to this end.
She said her government has been taking necessary measures so that Bangladesh could not witness the food crisis if the world experiences famine due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sheikh Hasina requested all to cultivate every piece of arable land to ensure food security.
“We have taken all kinds of measures including giving stimulus packages to agriculture for ensuring the production of foods. We are confirmed in one thing that food crisis would not happen in the country by the grace of almighty Allah,” she said.
She said she has already asked the authorities concerned to take prompt measures to ensure that a single inch of land doesn’t remain uncultivated.
Extending sincere thanks to the armed forces personnel for providing all sorts of support to the people during the coronavirus pandemic, she said, “The big task is to work for the people and you have been doing that work with efficiency.”
BSS/AHJ/SH/BR/1855 HRS