The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed yesterday described the Armed Forces as a symbol of the independence and sovereignty of the country, and expressed hope that their innovative ideas and constructive role in nation-building activities would be expanded further in the days to come.

"The nation is truly proud of them. Apart from discharging noble responsibilities for protecting our sovereignty, members of the patriotic Armed Forces are also making significant contributions by standing beside the people at the time of need," he said.

The President said this while speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Defence Service Command and Staff College (DSCSC) at its auditorium at Mirpur Cantonment in the city. Commandant of the DSCSC Major General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan also spoke on the occasion.

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Chief of the Bangladesh Army General Moeen U Ahmed, Chief of the Bangladesh Navy Vice Admiral Sarwar Jahan Nizam and Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury were present.

Military Secretary to the President Major General Mohd Aminul Karim, Secretary to the President Md Sirajul Islam, Defence Secretary Kamrul Hasan and Press Secretary to the President Abdul Awal Howlader were also present.

A total of 154 defence officers have been graduated from the college. Of them, 80 are from the Bangladesh Army, 26 from the Bangladesh Navy and 18 from the Bangladesh Air Force, and 30 from the armed forces of the 13 friendly countries, including Bahrain, China, Egypt, India, Jordan, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Turkey.

Lauding the Bangladesh Armed Forces' role in the UN peacekeeping mission, Prof Iajuddin said it is a matter of great satisfaction that they have also earned fame and acclaim in the outside world by performing their duties with dedication, sincerity, honesty and efficiency through their assignments.

He said the members of the Armed Forces are also making valuable contributions to socio-infrastructure development in some conflict-ridden countries securing peace under the auspices of the UN.

The President said, "I believe the image of Bangladesh has been brightened all over the world through the achievements earned by the members of Armed Forces."