Hasina seeks counterattack capability for Bangladesh

By Mizan Rahman/Dhaka

Terming Bangladesh a peaceful country in South Asia, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Bangladesh must have the capability of carrying out counterattacks to protect its independence and sovereignty if it is attacked by an enemy.

The prime minister made the remarks while delivering her introductory speech at a meeting with officials of the defence ministry at Sher-e Banglanagar in Dhaka.

Hasina, who holds the portfolio of defence minister, did not hint at any country that might attack Bangladesh which has common borders with India and Myanmar.

She said the main responsibility of the defence ministry is to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty, and her government has been working to strengthen and modernise the defence system to this end.

The prime minister said initiatives have been taken to reform and modernise three services under Forces Goal 2030 in light of the defennce policy formulated in 1974 as per directives of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mijibur Rahman.

Laying emphasis on upholding the country’s dignity and image, Hasina said various organisations under the defence ministry will have to work in a co-ordinated manner. She directed the officials of the defence ministry to work sincerely so that the country could march forward utilising the available limited resources.

She said a political party comes to power for a particular period of time, but the officials of the republic remain in their positions.

“They will have to work with sincerity to implement the agenda of the government within the stipulated time as it is elected giving commitments to the people of the country,” Hasina said.

Stressing the need for utilising technological facilities, Hasina also urged the officials to work together keeping pace with the world as the use of technology has brought in opportunities to know the universe.

Bangladesh can never remain behind from making development and technological advancement, she said.

Referring to the country’s huge sea boundary and water resources, the prime minister said Bangladesh won the case against Myanmar in an international court opening up the door of huge potential for water resources.

She mentioned that her government has been working with a vision through undertaking short, medium and long-term plans.

In this regard, she mentioned the sixth five year plan and the 10-year perspective plan undertaken by her government and said no nation could achieve the desired development without having long-term plans.

Citing Bangladesh’s success in disaster management, she said the world community now considers Bangladesh as a role model in dealing with natural and other disasters.