ZCZC
BSS-23
PM-SOVEREIGNTY-NAVY-2 LAST DHAKA
The Prime Minister said Bangabandhu first took the initiative of establishing legal rights of Bangladesh on its sea areas soon after the independence, but the post-1975 governments did nothing to this end.
“After assuming office in 1996, we first took initiatives to this end and finally established the rights on Bangladesh’s sea areas winning legal battles after coming to power second time,” she added.
Briefly highlighting measures taken by her government, the Prime Minister said they have been working on making infrastructural development, collecting warships and enhancing operational capacity of the existing warships to make the navy time-befitting.
“We have added new generation submarines, warships, maritime crafts, helicopters and a specialized force to the Bangladesh Navy and thus we are trying to make it a three-dimensional force to cope with the challenges of the 21st century,” she continued.
The premier said they formulated “Forces Goal 2030” in line with the “Defence Policy” adopted by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1974.
She continued that they initiated faster implementation of it to make the armed forces time-befitting aiming to enhance its capacity to safeguard the country from internal and external threats.
The PM thanked the navy personnel as they are extending their helping hands in easing sufferings of the distressed people during the crisis arising out of the coronavirus outbreak or any natural disaster and thus earned trust of the people.
Referring to the huge surge of the Covid-19 in Europe, she said many European countries including the UK have been forced to restore the lockdown system.
Sheikh Hasina called upon the countrymen to stay alert about the fresh wave of the lethal virus and follow the health guidelines and wear face masks in gatherings to remain protected.
The Prime Minister said they have taken timely measures to keep running the country’s economy as well as protect the lives and livelihoods of the people from the lethal virus.
“We want to protect the people of our country from the virus. So, everyone has to remain alert and follow the health guidelines,” she said.
The PM once again vowed to build a developed and prosperous country free from poverty and hunger envisioned by the Father of the Nation.
Referring to formulation of the ‘Delta Plan-2100’, she said her government has adopted the plan so that the country’s development does not face any hindrance in future and the people from generation to generation get a better and beautiful life.
BSS/AHJ/GA/1713 hrs