“The people devoted themselves to our struggle for freedom, the Liberation War, in all movements for restoration of democracy and above all, [came forward] in any need of the country. Now it’s time to assess how much we’ve done or are doing for them,” he said.

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He made the remarks at the virtual inauguration programme of Helicopter Simulator Training Institute and Barishal Radar Unit of Bangladesh Air Force.

Recalling Bangabandhu, President Hamid said, “It’s a matter of sorrow that today we say what we’ve got. As an activist of Bangabandhu, I’ve always seen that he spoke what he believed in.”

The President said that Bangabandhu never thought about his welfare or his family. Instead, the welfare of the country and the people always occupied his thoughts.

“We’re celebrating the birth centenary of Bangabandhu this year and the golden jubilee of independence on March 26. It’s possible to reach the benefits of independence to the doorsteps of people only through the implementation of Bangabandhu's  dreams," he added.

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‘Work for the people’
He said that the establishment of the Barisal Radar Unit is an important step in ensuring the security of the vast maritime economic activities, expediting rescue and relief operations during natural disasters and enhancing its airspace surveillance capabilities in the region.

President Hamid said modern helicopters play a vital role in peacekeeping, disaster response, search and rescue operations, carrying VVIP and VIP passengers in the country and skilled pilots are needed to fly the helicopters.

The newly-built Helicopter Simulator Training Institute will help complete a portion of pilots' flying training through simulator which will reduce training cost significantly.

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“You’re an integral part of the people of the country. So you’re also equal partners of happiness, sorrow, laughter and tears of the people of the country," said the President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

He also asked all members of the forces to work for the people from their respective positions in addition to maintaining professionalism. 

Secretaries concerned to the President were also present at the programme.