JESSORE: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said incumbent government has taken initiatives for Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Forces as part of its ‘Forces Goal-2030’.

The premier made the assertion while addressing the officials after attending the Winter President Parade of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) at BAF Base Bir Sreshtho Matiur Rahman in Jessore this morning.

In her speech, the premier congratulated the cadets, specially two women cadets, who received their rank badges here.

She recalled the extraordinary success of Bangladesh Air Force that conducted strikes on occupying Pakistani forces with the help of only one Alouette helicopter, one DC-3 and an otter plane at the fag end of Liberation War.

She also recalled the initiatives that the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman took, including buying the then ultramodern MIG-21 supersonic fighter plane, MI-8 helicopter, Air Defence Radar and AN-24 and AN-26 cargo jets, immediately after the war to build the Air Force.

Sheikh Hasina also recalled the buying of fourth generation MIG-29, C-130 cargo jet and powerful radar during the 1996-2001 tenure of AL government.

She congratulated the BAF members for working tirelessly to protect the sovereignty of the country and for initiatives to save people from the natural calamities.

The PM also lauded the Air Force members for brightening country’s image through their dedication in UN peace missions abroad.

She also asked the young officers to follow their predecessors who upheld country’s image through their sense of responsibilities and integrity.

Earlier, the premier reached at BAF Base Bir Sreshtho Matiur Rahman in Jessore by a special helicopter of Air Force around 11:00am.

Later, the Prime Minister distributed medals among the talented cadets after visiting the parade.

She is expected to return to Dhaka around 3:00pm.

BDST: 1310 HRS, DEC 29, 2015
SR/RR/SMS

** PM arrives in Jessore