"Economic and military strength is one of the yardsticks of a state's supremacy, she said in her address on the occasion of the President Parade, marking the commissioning of gentlemen and gentlewomen cadets of the 53rd BMA long course and 24th BMA special course at Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) parade ground at Bhatiari here.

Khaleda, who also holds the defence portfolio, termed "the army as the symbol of our independence and sovereignty" and said it came into being through the War of Liberation.

Referring to the current month of the historic victory, she recalled the contribution of the army to the War of Liberation and paid tributes to the soldiers, who sacrificed their lives for independence, and prayed for eternal peace of their souls.

The prime minister hoped that the young officers would get inspiration from the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs.

Members of the army are inseparable part of the people and partners of their sorrows and happiness, she said and referred to the role of the army in maintaining the law and order, facing natural calamities and socio-economic progress of the country.

"The wind of peace and development is still blowing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to the sacrifice and courageous role of members of the army," she said.

Khaleda also noted the role of Bangladesh Army in UN peace mission and said their success brightened the face of the country abroad.

Bangladesh is recognised as a liberal, development-desiring and peace-loving country in the present world, she said and added the country has earned a position of honour in different regional and international forums.