Efforts to make army modern to continue: PM

"Our efforts will remain continued in the coming days to build a modern and skilled Army," said Khaleda Zia while addressing the officers and soldiers after witnessing an impressive collective winter training and assault river crossing exercises on the western bank of the river Sitalakkhya at Kapasia Ghat.

She said members of the Army are vigilant sentinels of the independence and sovereignty, and their glorious role in earning the independence is now a part of history.

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She lauded the role of the Army in aid of the helpless people during disasters and their contributions to the UN peace-keeping force.

Khaleda said the Army has, meanwhile, earned the confidence of the people through their active participation along with the civil administration in curbing crimes and recovering illegal arms.

The Army has also brightened the image of the country by participating in the relief and rescue operation in tsunami-battered Sri Lanka and the Maldives, she added.

The 46 Infantry Brigade, the 14 Independent Engineering Brigade and other members of the Army jointly participated in the exercises.

Urging the members of the Army to undergo hard training, she said they have to keep up professional skills and build them more efficient, courageous and hard working.

Earlier, Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury and Brigadier General Sheikh Mahfuzul Huq received the Prime Minister at the venue.