DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the government has taken several groundbreaking steps to make Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) as a world-class force.
“State-of-art technology and administration will increase the skill and operational efficacy of BAF. The government will provide support as much as possible despite the limited resource,” the premier promised on Sunday in an induction ceremony of the Yak130 combat training aircraft and Maritime Search and Rescue helicopter Augusta AW 139, at BAF base Bangabandhu in city.
“The core duty of Air Force is to ensure the safety of the airspace of the country. Moreover, BAF will also play an important role to keep the vast maritime border that we have achieved recently secured and to protect the resources in it.”
She stated with hope that the inclusion of Yak130 combat training jet and advanced jet trainer will help BAF train as a state-of-art world class combat force along with reducing the risk of training flight accident and fulfilling their duty of protecting the airspace of Bangladesh.
About the inclusion of AW139 rescue helicopter, the PM explained, “We have inducted this AW 139 helicopter to strengthen the ability of maritime search and rescue”.
According to her, this craft will be useful during the natural disaster and emergency to conduct search and rescue operations with more efficacy.
“This copter (AW139) will also be useful to patrol natural resources, conduct drives against pirates and give tactical support to the military and paramilitary forces following their needs,” she added.
Besides, the inclusion of five new helicopters and 12 combat training aircrafts in the fleet, the Prime Minister also said that the government is arranging state-of-art training for the pilots of the BAF and also planning to add advanced jet trainer aircraft on the fleet to enhance their skill and flying capacity.
She urged everybody to advance Bangladesh with hard work, self-confidence and self-esteem.
The PM said, “We have limited resources but that will not be able to restrain us if we have confidence. The people of Bangladesh will emerge with self-esteem and confidence and make their respectable stand in the global arena”.
“Following the lead of the father of the nation, we have achieved glorious victory in our fight for freedom. We are a victorious nation. We must cherish and remember that we have won through a sanguinary struggle,” said PM Hasina.
“We do not accept defeat, nor can anybody make us bow. We will keep our heads high as we emerge in the world arena. We should prepare ourselves for that as well,’ she continued with patriotic zeal.
After the declaration of inclusion of new crafts in the fleet, the Prime Minister admired the parade and received salute from a troop of BAF.
Later, she enjoyed the display of air parade by the recently added training aircrafts.
Cabinet members, Prime Minister’s advisors, Navy and Air Force chiefs and higher officials, among others, were present in the ceremony.
BDST: 1130 /1643 HRS, DEC 06, 2015
AIK/RS/RR
