“Economic development of the country through peaceful co-existence with all neighboring states is the goal”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh is always ready and determined to protect the country’s sovereignty from any foreign attack.

He said, ‘The main driving force of our foreign policy is “friendship with all, enmity with none”. Our goal is the economic development of the country through peaceful coexistence with all the neighboring states. But we are always ready and determined to protect the sovereignty of the country from the attack of any aggressive foreign enemy.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said this after unveiling the inaugural plaque of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Battery Complex at the Artillery Center and School in Halishahar, Chittagong this morning.

He expressed hope that the soldiers will work with patriotism, professionalism and devotion for the welfare of the country and people, inspired by the spirit of the liberation war.

The Prime Minister said, ‘with the combined efforts of all, we will be able to build the golden Bangladesh of the dream of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib, the father of the nation, free from hunger and poverty and happy and prosperous.’

Sheikh Hasina said, ‘The Awami League government is working tirelessly to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and build a developed and prosperous Smart Bangladesh by 2041. That’s why every member of the Bangladesh Army must be IT-savvy – smart.’

The Prime Minister addressed the members of the army, “Continuing all efforts to uphold their glory by being unwaveringly confident and loyal to the leadership with hard work, professional skills, devotion to duty and patriotism.”

He briefly described the steps taken by his government for the overall development of the army.

Sheikh Hasina said, “In the continuation of modernization, the Bangladesh Army has added modern aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, fourth generation tanks, modern APCs, anti-tank missiles and other war equipment.”

The Prime Minister praised the overall activities of the army for the welfare of the country and said, ‘Today the Bangladesh Army is well established as a symbol of the nation’s trust.’

He said, ‘Bangladesh Army is appreciated today even in the United Nations peacekeeping mission due to its dedication and professionalism. In order to ensure the capability and security of our soldiers in the UN mission, the latest Light Armored Vehicles and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles have recently been added.

After inaugurating the Battery Complex, Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib visited the Artillery Museum in the complex.

At this time, he saw the very realistic portrait of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman installed in the museum, the historic 3.7 inch howitzer that fired the first shot of the Mujib battery in the Great War of Liberation, the ammunition used in the artillery regiment and replicas of all the cannons and the glorious history of the significant operations of the artillery forces in the Great War of Liberation.

Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed welcomed the Prime Minister when he arrived at the venue.

An audio-visual documentary on Mujib Battery was screened at the event.

Cabinet members, three army chiefs, members of parliament, dignitaries, senior military and civilian officials, officers of various ranks, JCOs, other ranks of army personnel and media persons were present on the occasion.