Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said Bangladesh Air Force is now more powerful and up-to-date than ever before, due to measures taken by her government for the development of the force.
“Today's Air Force is much more powerful, modern and agile than it was in the past in terms of infrastructure, tactics and technology,” she said.
The PM was addressing the President Parade (winter)-2022 of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) Academy in Jashore.
At the function, a total of 10 flight cadets received the flying badges from her for their successful completion of the basic flying training in PT-6 aircraft.
Besides, a flight cadet received the coveted Sword of Honour and Commandant’s Trophy, while two others received Birshreshtha Matiur Rahman Trophy and Chief of Air Staff Trophy for their best performances in different categories during the 81st BAFA course.
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Speaking at the event, Sheikh Hasina said her government has taken various steps to increase the operational capacity of the air force after assuming power in 2009.
The steps include the induction of F-7 BGI fighter aircrafts, C-130J transport aircraft with the latest avionics, MI-171Sh helicopters, and maritime search and rescue helicopters in the fleet of the air force.
“As a result, our Air Force today is a smart and efficient force,” she said.
The PM asked newly-commissioned officers of Bangladesh Air Force to develop a sense of responsibility towards the country and its people to gain public trust and confidence.
“You will have to have a sense of responsibility towards the country and its people,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said members of the air force or the armed forces stand beside people of the country and serve them during disasters – cyclone, flood – or accidents.
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To gain public trust and confidence is most important, she said.
“We don’t want war, rather want peace. We believe in the policy of friendship with all. Even then, we’ll have to maintain excellence from every aspect, getting training and to move with confidence,” she said.
In line with the Defence Policy-1974, framed by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, her government has formulated a long-term ‘Forces Goal-2030’ for the Armed Forces, which is being implemented, the PM said.
She said the AL government has set up Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University in Lalmonirhat, and started the operation of Air Defence Notification Centre.
She said now a project of experimental aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicle construction through Bangladesh Air Force's own manpower and acquired technology is underway. “I think a new era will open for us (over the aircraft manufacturing industry), if we can do these (complete the project),” she added.
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Sheikh Hasina said her government has always put emphasis on the development and modernisation of training facilities to enhance the overall efficiency of air force personnel.
To ensure improved and time-befitting training, the latest Yak-130 combat trainer with state-of-the-art fly-by-wire and digital cockpit, K-8W jet trainer, L-410 transport trainer, AW119KX helicopter trainer and different simulators have been added to the air force, she said.
The most recent addition was the Grob training aircraft. The basic flight training will be started with this state-of-the-art training aircraft, she said, adding that the night vision trainer has also been added to facilitate flying training of the Air Force pilots at night.
The government has approved the organisational structure of Helicopter Simulator Training Institute and Airman Training Institute and most recently the organisational structure of the Air Command Operations Center.
“As a result, our air defence system has become foolproof and it’s easier to monitor a wide range of aircraft operations in the country's airspace. Not only operations and training, we’ve taken multi-faceted welfare initiatives to improve the lives of all serving and retired members of the Bangladesh Air Force,” she said.
Pointing at the passing cadets, the premier asked them to strive for professional excellence through proper training.
Earlier, the PM inspected the smartly turned-out parade and took salute at the BAF Academy Parade Ground as well as witnessed a spectacular fly-past and aerobatic display. On her arrival at the venue, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan received the Prime Minister.