Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked Bangladesh Army to always remain ready to face any threat both from internal or external sources to protect the sacred constitution and sovereignty of the motherland.

The premier was addressing the flag-raising ceremony of nine units, including the newly-established headquarters of 11 Infantry Brigade, under 17 Infantry Division of the Bangladesh Army at Jalalabad Cantonment.

She raised the flags of the nine units under the 17 Infantry Division.

Hasina expressed her firm belief that each and every member of this newly formed brigade and units will work shoulder to shoulder to boost the strength of this division imbued with patriotism.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addresses the flag-raising ceremony of nine units under 17 Infantry Division of Bangladesh Army at Jalalabad Cantonment in Sylhet yesterday. Photo: BSS

“Considering the overall security of the country, formation of a special force at brigade level is under the active consideration of the government,” she said.

Hasina termed Bangladesh Army the asset of the country as well as a symbol of confidence and trust of people.

She asked the army personnel to perform their duties sincerely keeping the confidence in higher leadership, mutual trust, empathy, brotherhood, dutifulness, responsibility and above all maintaining discipline.

The prime minister said in the current tenure of the government, the training, arms, equipment and manpower of Bangladesh Army has been upgraded in an unprecedented manner.

She said state of the art modern tanks, cannons, missile systems, anti-tank missiles as well as fighter planes and helicopters in army aviation have added new dimension to the army.

Besides, Hasina said, huge changes have been brought in the organisational structure of the army. A composite brigade has been formed for the construction of related infrastructure of the Padma bridge and its security, she added.

Hasina mentioned that work has started to constitute a riverine brigade in Mithamoin and said the government has given approval in principle to formation of an infantry division at Lebukhali Cantonment near the Payra river between Barisal and Patuakhali districts.

She said the government has constructed messes for the accommodation of soldiers of all ranks as well as built SM Barrack for them.

Earlier, the prime minister took salute from a smartly turned out contingent of the 17 Infantry Division of the army.

After the parade, she laid the foundation stones of eight projects, including division headquarters, at Sylhet Cantonment.

Earlier on her arrival at the venue, the prime minister was received by Army Chief General Abu Belal Mohammad Shafiul Huq and GOC of the 17 Infantry Division and area commander of Sylhet Area Maj Gen Anowarul Momen.