Modernisation of army to continue in future: PM

"The modernisation process and capacity building of the armed forces will continue in the future with your cooperation," Khaleda, who also holds the Defence portfolio, told a darbar function of the army at Rangpur Cantonment.

On her arrival at the cantonment, Army Chief Lieutenant General Moyeen U Ahmed and Area Commander Major General Md Tajul Islam received the Prime Minister.

Khaleda hoped that the army would be able to earn the appreciation of all both at home and abroad by properly and efficiently performing their responsibilities to be entrusted on them.

She said the people of Bangladesh would always remember with respect the glorious role and sacrifice of the armed forces in the liberation war.

She said late president Ziaur Rahman restored discipline and infused dynamism and professionalism in the army, which had been neglected after the country's independence.

She said: "After forming the government this time, we have implemented various programmes for modernising the army and raising its capacity. It's our aim to develop a patriotic, disciplined, well-trained, professional and multidimensional armed forces for safeguarding the independence and sovereignty and the state unity."

She listed her government's programmes and efforts in this regard and mentioned that the manpower and capacity of the armed forces have been increased, and modern equipment included by forming new units.

Additional 9,000 manpower has been recruited creating opportunities of employment and promotion, she told the Darbar.

Khaleda said new production line for producing automatic weapons has been opened in the Bangladesh Ordnance Factory at Gazipur to strengthen the infantry battalion, the main fighting force.

She said the modernisation process of all corps of the armed forces has been continuing and as part of that a good quantity of arms and equipment has been procured.

After independence, she said, the brave members of the armed forces played an important role in protecting the interests of the country and ensuring welfare of the nation during calamities and the time of distress.

She said members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces have been acclaimed everywhere in the world for successfully performing their duties in UN peacekeeping missions and hoped that they would able to keep the reputation in the future.

The PM said the up-trend in sending military members to UN peacekeeping missions would continue in the future.

She recalled the role of the armed forces' members in checking terrorism by conducting the 'Operation Clean Heart'.

Khaleda also appreciated the elite force Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), consisting of army and police, for their role in improving the law and order situation.

Ministers and distinguished personalities also attended the darbar.