Uphold image of army

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia gives away the 'Sword of Honour' to the best cadet at the President's Parade marking the commissioning of the 51st BMA Long Course and 22nd BMA Special Course at the Bangladesh Military Academy in Bhatiary yesterday. PHOTO: PID

"Glowing patriotism, strong personality, brilliance and farsightedness, high professionalism and unflagging vigour are necessary to perform this onerous duty successfully," she said.

Khaleda was addressing the President's Parade marking the commissioning of the 51st BMA Long Course and 22nd BMA Special Course at the Bangladesh Military Academy in Bhatiary yesterday morning.

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Some 75 cadets, seven of them females, were yesterday commissioned from the two courses.

Khaleda also appreciated the role of the members of the Armed Forces in development and rehabilitation work inside the country as well as an envious reputation earned by them in various UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

She reviewed a smartly turned-out parade on board an open jeep and took salute at the impressive march past of the gentleman and gentlewoman cadets.

Battalion Senior Under Officer Abu Mohammad Shahnur Shaon was adjudged best all-round cadet and awarded the coveted "Sword of Honour". He also received the "Chief of Army Staff Gold Medal" for his outstanding performance in military subjects.

Company Senior Under Officer Mohammad Ziaur Rahman received the "Osmani Gold Medal" for his feat in academic subjects.

The Prime Minister also gave away BMA Colour for the Winter Term to Jahangir Company achieved on the basis of inter-company competitions.

On her arrival at the parade ground, Khaleda was received by Chief of Army Staff Lt General Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury, local Area Commander Maj General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan and BMA Commandant Brig General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Haq.

Ministers, MPs, diplomats, Chief of the Naval Staff, Chief of the Air Staff, senior civil and military officials and guardians of the passing-out graduates witnessed the colourful parade.