POBNEWS24,Dhaka, Nov 21, 2021 : Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said she did not want to see any impediment towards Bangladesh’s advancement, calling upon all to march the country forward by maintaining the ability it has achieved to keep pace with the international standard.
“I just want on this Armed Forces Day (AFD) that the advancement of our country will not be allowed to be hindered in any way and Bangladesh can move ahead on the world stage with dignity and honour,” she said.
She was addressing virtually a reception accorded to the gallantry award winning freedom fighters of the armed forces and their heirs marking the AFD-2021.
The prime minister also presented peacetime awards to the selected members of the armed forces for their outstanding contribution to their respective fields during 2020-21.
Sheikh Hasina, also in-charge of the defence ministry, said that the independence achieved by efforts of all people and blood of hundreds of thousands of martyrs cannot be failed, adding, “We cannot even let it happen.”
“Bangladesh will move ahead with keeping the dignity we have achieved so far. InshaAllah, we will build a prosperous “Sonar Bangladesh” as envisioned by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” she also said.
On behalf of the prime minister, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque handed over the peacetime award to the recipients at the Army Multipurpose Hall in Dhaka Cantonment.
Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan, former Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed and five more officers from the armed forces received the peacetime award this year.
Marking the day, Sheikh Hasina also presented gifts to the families of the successors of Birshreshthos and other gallantry award-recipient freedom fighters of the armed forces.
PM’s Security Adviser Major General (rtd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Shaheen Iqbal and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan were present.
Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman gave the welcome address at the function.
