Noting that war is always an expensive affair, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday laid emphasis on designing Bangladesh’s overall strategy, keeping hands always extended towards peace with required preparation in place.
“In this situation, we have to design our overall strategy. We must always extend our hand towards peace. But we must also be prepared,” he said, adding that the economy is in a weak state and Bangladesh has not yet been able to develop into a country with a strong economy.
Due to the waywardness of the previous government, the Chief Adviser said whatever was there has also been looted.
The Chief Adviser was addressing the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) personnel after observing the exercise at the BAF Base Bir Uttam AK Khandker.
Prof Yunus said he is also a person against any war in the world but they live in a world where war threat surrounds them always.
“Like many, I am also a person against war. We do not wish to see war in the world. War preparations often lead to war. Therefore, there is a serious objection to war preparations,” he said.
The Chief Adviser, however, said they live in such a world where the threat of war is constantly surrounding them. “It becomes impossible to remain unprepared (in such a situation).”
Referring to media reports, Prof Yunus also talked about the current situation between India and Pakistan.
Highlighting the situation in the world, the Chief Adviser said not getting preparing is suicidal. “And if you have to prepare, there is no room for half-preparedness. This is such a situation, victory is the only option. Defeat cannot be an option here. So, we must try to take our preparations to the highest level.”
Impressed by the Air Force exercise, Prof Yunus said they see these in movies. “We don't get much opportunity to see these in reality. Today, I saw these in reality because of you.”
Watching the exercise, the Chief Adviser said this increases their courage. “Not only the courage to fight, but our children can prepare so well and help face difficult problems.”
Akash Bijoy-2025
Like previous years, Bangladesh Air Force’s annual exercise ‘Akash Bijoy-2025’ commenced on April 23.
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As part of this exercise, several important segments were incorporated into a Final Integrated Exercise (LIVEX), which was successfully showcased on Wednesday at Bangladesh Air Force Base Bir Uttam A K Khandker, Kurmitola, Dhaka Cantonment, according to ISPR.
The Chief Adviser graced the event as the chief guest and observed the exercise.
Following the event, he participated in an interactive session with the members of Bangladesh Air Force.
Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan expressed his deep gratitude to the Chief Adviser for his presence, which significantly boosted the morale and inspired the members of the force.
As a token of thankfulness, a crest was presented to the Chief Adviser on behalf of Bangladesh Air Force.
The government advisers, the Chiefs of Army and Navy, civil and military high officials and other distinguished guests attended the event.
‘AKASH BIJOY-2025’ serves as a significant demonstration of Bangladesh Air Force’s operational readiness, high proficiency, and inter-service jointness.
Under the directives of Air Headquarters, all bases and units of Bangladesh Air Force are actively participating in the exercise deploying various types of fighters aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, radars, and other air defense elements along with associated units.
To enhance the effectiveness of the exercise in a realistic manner, Bangladesh Air Force resources were divided into two groups, simulating distinct operational scenarios.
This approach enables the Air Force to thoroughly evaluate its efficiency, combat readiness, operational capabilities and to identify the obstacles and challenges in detail.
Additionally, selected representatives from Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh Police, Fire Service and Civil Defence, and Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) have also participated in the exercise.
Their involvement underscores the strong emphasis on jointness modern warfare and inter-agency cooperation in modern warfare.
Bangladesh Air Force remains ever-ready, highly committed, and dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s total airspace, and sovereignty, said the ISPR.
Exercise ‘AKASH BIJOY-2025’ upholds this spirit and reflects the unwavering professionalism and dedication of all members of Bangladesh Air Force, it said.
