Stay alert, defend flag

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged all including the members of the Bangladesh Army to always stay alert and uphold the dignity and honour of the national flag.

"We've earned the national flag through our independence... so, all of you have to remain always alert so that the flag is never desecrated," she said, referring to the fact that the country's independence came through the bloodshed of millions of martyrs.

The prime minister said this while addressing the National Standard awarding function of the 12 Lancer of the Armoured Corps and the fifth reunion of the corps at the Armoured Corps Centre and School at Bogra Cantonment.

Sheikh Hasina also asked the army to continue their works with prudence, professional efficiency and dutifulness for the country's progress.

"As head of the government, I'm extending all kinds of support for the development of the Bangladesh Army, and I'll do whatever is needed in the future for further modernisation of the force," Hasina said. The prime minister reviewed the parade of the 5th reunion of the Armoured Corps and took salute riding an open jeep. She later handed over the National Standard to the unit commander of the 12 Lancer Corps in recognition of its efficiency, hard exercise and dutifulness to the country.