He made the remarks while addressing the President Winter Parade of Bangladesh Navy on the occasion of the passing out of midshipman naval cadets at the parade ground of Bangladesh Naval Academy at Patenga in the port city on Sunday.
The President said, "Bangladesh is a riverine country. We have a vast maritime territory. There is no alternative to a skilled and smart navy force to protect the marine resources."
“The Navy has been fully built as a three dimensional force. I believe Bangladesh Navy will continue their efforts for upholding the country’s image in the international arena alongside the protecting maritime sovereignty," he said.
Mentioning our foreign policy' Friendship with all, malice to none', he said " It is very urgent to establish a Credible Deterence Force combining diplomacy, defence and deterence. We do not want war with anyone as we are peace loving nation. But we are determined in protecting the country's sovereignty and independence at any cost."
President Abdul Hamid also urged Bangladesh Navy to work together with Army and Air force to protect the sovereignty of the country and stand beside the people of the country during any disaster if necessary.
“You have to keep in mind that the responsibility that the nation has entrusted upon you is of great significance and the whole nation expects Bangladesh Navy will take Bangladesh to the new height with their professionalism, patriotism, and dutifulness."
“'Bangabandhu Complex' has been built with modern facilities to materialize the dream of the Father of the Nation. As a result, it will be possible to provide international standard training to more local and foreign nationals. This will also create opportunity to tap the full potential of Blue Economy,” he added.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed received the President at the Parade ground in a ceremonial motorcade of the Bangladesh Navy.
The President reviewed the smartly turned-out parade and took salute of the impressive march past by Midshipman 2016 Batch and DEO 2018/B Batch.
Through this Passing Out Parade, 59 Midshipmen of 2016 batch including one Sri Lankan and one Maldives Midshipman were commissioned on completion of 3 years training.
Moreover, 07 Direct Entry Officers were adorned with Officer Epaulette on successful completion of 6 months basic training. Among the passing out batches, there were 4 female Midshipmen.
Midshipman 2016 batch joined Bangladesh Naval Academy on 27 December, 2015 and were promoted to the rank of Midshipmen on 25 December 2017.
Today, they were promoted to the rank of Sub-Lieutenant on completion of 3 years pre-commission training from Bangladesh Naval Academy.
Midshipman Ahmed Ridwan Khan was adjudged the Best all Round Midshipman of the course and was awarded with the Sword of Honour while Midshipman Ijaz Mahmud Shuvo received CNS Gold Medal for attaining 2nd position in overall training. Acting Sub Lieutenant Saif Hossain Sudhi was awarded with ‘Bir Sreshtho Shaheed Ruhul Amin Gold Medal’ as the Best Direct Entry Officer.
Ministers, Chiefs of Armed Forces, Members of Parliament, High level dignitaries, senior military officers from three services, Naval Commandos of the Liberation War, diplomats, parents and guardians of passing out officers were also present on the occasion.