Bangladesh Army Winter Training & Assault River Crossing Exercise
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By BSS, KapasiaJan 16, 2005, 13:39 Email this article Printer friendly
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Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia said on Sunday the government is continuing
the efforts for making the Armed Forces time-befitting as its success depends
on skilled manpower, strength and ability.
"Our efforts will remain continued in the coming days to build a modern and
skilled Army," said Begum Zia while addressing officers and soldiers of the
Army after witnessing an impressive collective winter training and assault
river crossing exercises on the western bank of the river Sitalakkhya at
Kapasia Ghat.
She said the members of the Army are vigilant sentinels of the country's
independence and sovereignty, and their glorious role in earning the
independence is now a part of history.
The Prime Minister lauded the role of the Army in aid of the helpless people
during disasters and their contributions to the UN peace-keeping force.
Begum Zia said the Army has, meanwhile, earned the confidence of the people
through their active participation along with the civil administration in
curbing terrorism and recovering illegal arms.
The Army, she continued, has also brightened the image of the country by
participating in the relief and rescue operation in Tsunami-battered Sri Lanka
and the Maldives.
Recalling the contribution of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to initiate the
process of building a modern Armed Forces, the Prime Minister said her
government was making efforts to further expansion of the force by increasing
its manpower and also improvement of professional skills.
Begum Zia said the BNP government had formed the 19 Infantry Division during
its 1991-96 period. After assuming power this time, she said, the government
has formed three infantry brigades.
Begum Zia, who also holds the charge of the Ministry of Defence, said she was
moved by witnessing the assault river crossing exercises. The 46 infantry
brigade, the 14 independent engineering brigade and other members of the Army
jointly participated in the exercises.
Thanking all participating officers and soldiers, the Prime Minister said
winter exercises and preparations during peace time are very significant for
the success and victory of the Army and added the aim of the victory is to
protect the country's independence and sovereignty, and advance the country.
She called for continuing the exercises to earn victory through chalking out
time-fitting war strategy considering natural land arrangement and surrounding
condition.
Urging the members of the Army to undergo hard training, she said they have to
keep up professional skills and build them more efficient, courageous and hard
working.
Earlier, Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury and
Brigadier General Sheikh Mahfuzul Huq received the Prime Minister at the venue.
Water Resources Minister Hafizuddin Ahmed, PM's Political Secretary Harris
Chowdhury, Begum Khawja Ahsanullah, former minister brigadier (retd) Hannan
Shah, and senior civil and military officials also witnessed the spectacular
exercises.
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