Shawdesh desk:

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said that the armed forces were being built as capable to defend any attack from the external forces to secure country’s independence and sovereignty.

‘We don’t want war with anyone. We believe in the policy, ‘Friendship to all malice to none’ formulated by the Father of the Nation. But, we’re taking measures to make the armed forces capable enough to defend any external force attack,’ she said.

She was addressing as the chief guest in the 10th Tigers’ Reunion of the East Bengal Regiment at the EBRC in Chattogram.

The prime minister said that her government wanted to establish Bangladesh as a peaceful country, for which, it has adopted ‘zero tolerance’ policy against terrorism and militancy.

She extended her wholehearted gratitude to the armed forces personnel as they always stand by the people during any disaster that include flood and drought.

The PM said that the armed forces personnel not only stood beside Bangladeshis but also supported friendly countries if they experience any disaster.

She said that Bangladesh armed forces personnel had been working efficiently in rescue operations in Turkey and Syria as the two countries had recently experienced the worst-ever earthquake.

‘I want to thank our armed forces as they are brightening our image by working with glory at the United Nations peacekeeping missions,’ she said.

About joining the EBR 10th Tigers’ Reunion, she said, the EBR is very close to her heart as her two younger brothers and freedom fighters Captain Sheikh Kamal and Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal, who both were martyred on August 15, 1975 carnage, were members of the regiment.

‘So, attending the reunion of the EBR, on the one hand, is painful for me and on the other hand, it is a matter of joy,’ she added.

At the function, the prime minister took the state salute by a smartly turned out army contingent.

She also reviewed the parade riding on an open jeep accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed.

The PM later witnessed a colourful cultural programme.