The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Bhatiari

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Thursday said people heave a sigh of relief following the courageous role of the Armed Forces in building a corruption-and terrorism-free Bangladesh.

He made the remark while addressing combined President Parade of Army, Navy and Air Force cadets at Bangladesh Military Academy Parade Ground at Bhatiari. Dr Ahmed hoped the newly commissioned officers of the army, navy and airforce would remain ready and make appropriate contributions in service to the nation, keeping abreast with the people, alongside safeguarding sovereignty and safety of the state.

He urged them to uphold the image of Bangladesh as a liberal, democratic, promising and peaceful country in the present world as well as achievements and acclaim earned in the international arena. This is for the first time that combined President Parade of the three services was held marking the passing out of cadets of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

The cadets of the three services completed their 2-year training courses at their respective training institutes.

Cadets of 57th BMA Long Course and 28th BMA Special Course from the Army, cadets of Midshipmen 2006A batch from the Navy and cadets of 56th Flight Cadet course from the Air Force took part in the parade. A total of 229 cadets, including 21 female, have been commissioned in the Armed Forces. Of them, 178 cadets, including 10 females from the army, 21 Midshipmen, including 4 females, from the navy and 30 flight cadets, including 7 females, from the Air Force joined the forces as commissioned officers.

The Chief Advisor distributed awards to 3 all-round cadets from the three services.

Battalion Senior Under Officer Touhidur Rahman was awarded the coveted Sword-of-Honour laurel as the best all-round cadet in the 57th BMA Long Course.

Midshipman Yaser Hasnat got the Sword-of-Honour award for his best performance in all subjects of the naval academy.

Flight Cadet Under Officer Mohammad Tanbir Adib was given the Sword-of-Honour award for his best performance in all subjects of the Air Force Academy.

Earlier, a guard of honour was given to the Chief Advisor by a smartly turned-out contingent of cadets of the three services at the Parade Ground.

The Chief Advisor, flanked by three Commanders of the three academies in an open jeep, reviewed the parade.

Dr Ahmed asked the newly commissioned officers to move ahead with determination keeping in mind that all members of the Armed Forces are sons of this soil and inseparable part of this country. "Therefore, you all are equal partners of weal and woe, happiness and sorrow of the mass people," he told his military audience, adding that the armed forces always stood beside the people at the time of every disaster and critical hour of the nation.

Recalling the two-pronged terrible floods and devastating cyclone 'Sidr' in recent times, the Chief Advisor said the armed forces played a lead role in rescue, relief and rehabilitation programmes and earned people's unflinching trust and unalloyed love. Moreover, he said, the role of the Armed Forces in maintaining democracy, protecting people's rights and assisting the civil administration is praiseworthy.

The head of caretaker government observed that the people are heaving a sigh of relief in the wake of the Armed Force's courageous role in building a corruption-and terrorism-free country. Besides, peace is prevailing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to their farsighted role. Bangladesh has made its own prestigious position by winning Nobel prize in world peace and different international and regional forums, he noted.

He said the members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces are acclaimed all over the world for their role in the international arena, in protecting peace and security, salvaging democracy and postwar reconstruction and other welfare activities.

The Chief Advisor noted that the first-ever combined President Parade is an important milestone in the march forward of the history of the Armed Forces.

He said the importance of the Armed Forces of an independent and sovereign nation is immense. After the independence, the military academy was set up to build an ideal, efficient and professional Armed Force.

The Chief Advisor observed that Bangladesh's military academy remained as a unique symbol of making international amity and national prestige.

"Bangladesh Armed Forces are the sentinel of our independence and sovereignty and symbol of national unity," he said, adding that the proud forces were born in a bloodstained war of independence.