Maintain discipline, patriotism to achieve goal: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday asked the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) personnel to be aware of hard work, discipline and patriotism to attain any goal.

“Achieving goals is impossible without hard work, discipline and patriotism. I hope you will be conscious of this,” she said.

The premier made this remark while addressing the induction ceremony of GROB-120 TP aircraft to BAF at the Air Force Base Bir Shreshtho Flt Lt Matiur Rahman, Jashore, joining virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban in the capital.

She said, “The main identity of the professionals is their professional skills…there is no substitute for professionalism and honesty.”

The head of the government said they have already inducted state-of-the-art Fly-by-wire, YAK-130 Combat trainer with digital cockpit feature, K-8W Jet Trainer, L-410 Transport Trainer, AW-119KX Helicopter Trainer and different types of simulators to ensure better and up-to-date aviation training for future generations of BAF.

In continuation of this, she said today, 12 GROB-120 training aircraft are going to be included in the BAF.

In the second phase within this year, she said 14 more GROB-120 training aircraft will be added to the fleet of the force.

The premier said that through all these inclusions, the capability of BAF was further enhanced, adding, “I firmly believe that the state-of-the-art GROB- 120 training aircraft will play an effective role in the timely training of the young pilots.”

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System, Air Defense System Integration, Mobile Gap Filler Radar, K-8W Aircraft Simulator, Attack Helicopters and various military equipment would be incorporated to the air force as soon as possible, she continued.

Sheikh Hasina urged the BAF members to be very diligent in flying and maintenance of this valuable GROB-120 training aircraft collected with the hard earned money of the people.

Earlier, the prime minister witnessed an eye-catching fly past of the Grob G-120 TP training aircrafts.

Referring to foreign policy of the country, the prime minister said Bangladesh is a peace-loving nation and it never wants war with any country.

But if attacked by any external enemy, the air force of the country must have the capability to safeguard and protect Bangladesh, she added.

In this regard, Sheikh Hasina stressed the need for time befitting and modern training of the air force personnel to further enhance their capacity as they will have to work with foreign forces in the international arena.

She mentioned the Bangabandhu’s “Defense Policy” in 1974, saying the modern and strong air force's journey began through the incorporation of state-of-the-art supersonic MiG-21, AN-24 transport aircraft, Mi-8 helicopters and air defense radars in the light of that policy as well as Bangabandhu's far- sighted and strong decision.

Following the footsteps of the Father of the Nation, the premier said the Awami League government is putting relentless efforts to make BAF stronger and more up-to-date.

She said BAF has already been equipped with state-of-the-art aircraft, helicopters, various types of radars, missiles and necessary military equipment along with new bases, units and training institutes.

Infrastructural development of the air force is also continuing, she said, adding Bangabandhu Aeronautical Center has been set up for proper, safe and cost-effective maintenance and overhauling of various types of aircraft, radars and other equipment.

She continued the BAF is currently upgrading various types of aircraft and helicopters with its own technology and manpower under the supervision of this center.

She went on saying that the recent research conducted by BAF to manufacture prototype aircraft in the country has made us optimistic.

The prime minister said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University has been established aimed at modernizing the aerospace research, development of the air force and the civil aviation sector.

She said the dream of the Father of the Nation was to have a modern and international standard training academy for the country's military and people from all over the world would come to see it.

She said today's newly built military academy, naval academy and air force academy are the parts of materialisation of his dream.

She said the members of BAF representing Bangladesh in various UN missions have brought huge pride and admiration for the country and the nation.

The premier also praised the BAF as they have set a precedent through their innovative ability and systematic approach to deal with the Corona pandemic.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan was present at the function.

BSS/MMA/