PM calls for continuing development flow of BAF

Desk Report: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon all concerned to work together for keeping the continuity of development flow of Bangladesh Air Force with the profound wisdom and vision of Bangabandhu.

“We want to build the Bangladesh Air Force as one of the most modern and advanced force. We have many plans for further development of the force. We will implement these plans if we win in the next election,” she said.

The prime minister said this while inaugurating Bangabandhu Complex at Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) Academy on Thursday.

Sheikh Hasina also urged everybody to work together to build a country with the spirit of the Liberation War and vision of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“We are a nation which earned independence through an armed struggle. So, we have to live among global comity keeping our head high,” she said.

“We don’t want war with any country, but we must have preparation to face any outside aggression to protect our independence and sovereignty,” the prime minister said.

Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Complex by unveiling the plaque of bronze bust sculpture of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at BAF parade ground.

On her arrival at BAF Academy the prime minister was received by Chief of Air Staff Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base Bir Shretra Matiur Rahman Air Vice Marshal Fazlul Haque and Commandant of BAF Academy Air Commodore Jabed Tanvir Khan.

Ministers, PM’s security advisor, Chiefs of three services, foreign diplomats, parliament members and high civil and military officials were present.

Urging members of the Bangladesh Air Force to be self-confident and careful about own dignity, the prime minister said they have to work with utmost honesty and patriotism to take the airport force as well as the country forward.

Sheikh Hasina said Father of the Nation dreamt for a modern, powerful and professional air force. To materialise his dream the present government since inception in its office is making constant stride to build a modern Air Force.

Bangabandhu had taken the farsighted decision by procuring ophisticated MIG 21 supersonic fighter, cargo air craft, helicopter and defence radar for Bangladesh Air Force soon after the independence of the country, she said.

“Keeping Bangabandhu’s vision alive we have continued the development and modernization of air force,” she said.

According to an ISPR release, Bangabandhu Complex was built as one of the world class training centre in order to materialise the Vision-2041 of the present government. This complex will play a pioneering role in making
efficient pilots and well qualified military officials.

Sheikh Hasina said her government inducted fourth generation MIG 29, wide bodied C-130 cargo plane and high-powered air defence radar system in the air force during 1996-2001 tenure.

Modernization and operational capabilities of the Air Force have increased to a large extent since 2009 due to the sincere efforts of her government, she said, adding that the air force has been equipped with F-7BGI fighter, advanced saloon helicopters, maritime search and rescue helicopters and air defence missiles.

The premier said Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre has been designed with the aim of providing safe, affordable and cost-effective maintenance and overhauling of various types of aircrafts, radars and other equipment including fighter plane.

“I am very pleased to inform that most recently, Bangladesh Air Force has been able to overhaul fighter aircraft for the first time. I congratulate all concerned for this achievement,” Sheikh Hasina said.

The prime minister said the government has asked the Air Force to build a plant or industry at Lalmonirhat Airport for manufacturing and repairing of aircrafts.

“I hope, that day is not far away when Bangladesh Air Force will be able to fly their own aircraft. In this way, we are moving forward towards Vision 2041,” she said.

The prime minister said her government is committed to build a modern and intelligent armed force. For this purpose, ‘Forces Goal-2030’ has been formulated which is being implemented gradually.

“As a part of that plan, she said, modern and full-fledged air force base Bangabandhu has been established. A full-fledged air base has been set up in Cox’s Bazar for observation of the military and civilian infrastructure in the south and southeastern parts of the country, especially on the airspace of the ‘Exclusive Economic Zone’ of the country.

Sheikh Hasina said new air defence radar has been set up in Cox’s Bazar considering the importance of airspace surveillance. The Air Force has been providing assistance in the anti-smuggling operations, illegal intrusion in the sea and illegal fishing.

“Our government is giving importance to the development and modernization of training facilities for the overall efficiency of the members of the air force,” the prime minister said.

The training period of the cadets has been increased to improve their basic training and development and air force training courses have also been updated, she said.

In order to ensure better and timely training of future generations of the air force, she said, modern jet and transport training aircraft, helicopter trainers and MI series helicopter simulators have been added.

As part of the expansion and modernization of the Air Force, the work is underway for establishment of air bases in Barisal and Sylhet in addition with acquisition of equipment and infrastructure development, the prime minister said.

The government has approved a project to set up ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University’ for further advancement of the aviation sector, she added.

Sheikh Hasina said newly built Bangabandhu Complex has made the dream of Bangabandhu a true with establishment of an international standard air force training academy.

“The Complex is the real manifestation of the Digital Bangladesh and it will ensure the best use of information technology,” she said.

The prime minister said Father of the Nation had a dream for a modern and international standard training academy for the military, where the trainees will come from all over the world.

Bangladesh Air Force Academy has reached a new height today, which is a parallel to the training academy of any developed country, she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh has taken place in the world map as a free-sovereign state through a 23-year political struggle led by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 9-month bloodshed during Liberation War in 1971.

On the occasion, a spectacular parade was arranged which was followed by a colourful fly-past of different aircrafts of BAF.

Later, the prime minister inaugurated the operation of 105 Advanced Jet Training Unit and laid foundation of Airmen Training Institute of BAF Zahurul Haq Airbase in Chattogram through a video conference. _BSS
 

risingbd/Dhaka/October 25, 2018/A K Azad