Stay alert to protect country

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the newly commissioned members of the Bangladesh Army to always stay vigilant to protect the country's independence and sovereignty.

"You're taking the sacred responsibility of protecting the country... So, you'll have to stay alert always and be ready to save the country's independence and sovereignty even giving the last drop of your blood," she said.

She was addressing the President Parade marking the commissioning of the cadets of 73rd BMA Long Course and 44th BMA Special Course at Bangladesh Military Academy Parade Ground in Bhatiari in Chittagong.

Hasina also asked the members of Bangladesh Army to advance this force towards continued prosperity through maintaining its global reputation.

Besides, she said, the armed forces have a significant role in maintaining the democratic continuity of the country and helping the civil administration in national development endeavors.

Hasina said Bangladesh Armed Forces, which came into existence through the War of Liberation, are a pride of the nation and the force has come to today's position following the path showed by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Through the ceremony, 194 cadets including one from Sri Lanka, one from Nepal formally passed out. Among them 189 cadets, including 8 females from 73 BMA long course and 5 cadets from 44 BMA special course are commissioned to Bangladesh Army.

Battalion Senior Under Officer Md Ahsan Ullah was adjudged the best all round cadet and awarded the coveted "Sword of Honour" while Company Senior Under Officer Md Ruhany Rabbi Hamza received the "Chief of Army Staff's (CAS) Gold Medal" for his outstanding performance in military subjects.