DHAKA: Vowing to do everything necessary, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina categorically said the armed forces are pride for the nation and the government wants to see the armed forces as disciplined, efficient, modern and well-equipped armed forces.

She was addressing a reception organized at Senakunja, Dhaka Cantonment marking the Bangladesh Armed Forces Day-2014.

Sheikh Hasina said: “The government has undertaken plan to build up the armed forces capable to face the challenges of 21st century and the forces are being given modern training and armory.”

The premier forces on the Armed Forces Day and conveyed her best wishes to them for their continuous progress, peace, happiness and prosperity.

November 21, Armed Forces Day, the raising day of Bangladesh armed forces, is observed across the country every year with due solemnity and enthusiasm.

Prime Minister said that ‘Forces Goal 2030’ has been prepared according to the defense policy of 1974, compiled by the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

We have already formed an infantry division in Sylhet and another in Ramu was permitted in this regard, she added.

One more to be formed in the southern part of the country, PM said.

She said that we want to build Bangladesh Navy a modern and well-arranged threefold force by launching submarines in it within 2016. Earlier, Maritime Petrol Aircraft, Helicopter and naval aviation were added in Bangladesh Navy.

Sheikh Hasina also said that jets and fighting materials are being added to increase organizational development and professional efficiency in Air Force.

She also said that two full fledged Air Bases have been established at Kurmitola of the capital and in Cox’s Bazaar. The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has already been equipped with its surface-to-air missile system, she added.

National Parliament Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Opposition leader of the parliament Rowshan Ershad, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Supreme Court Justice, Chief Election Commissioner, foreign diplomats, secretaries, veteran journalists were present in the program.

Moreover, the Chief of Bangladesh Army General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, chief of staff of Bangladesh Navy Vice Admiral M Farid Habib and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari were also present in the program.

BDST: 1839 HRS, NOV 21, 2014