Jashore, Oct 25 (UNB) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the Armed Forces will be equipped with modern technologies to have all sorts of preparation to protect the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh in case of any attack.   “We don’t want to engage in war with anyone…but if there’s any attack, we’ll have all sorts of preparation to keep Bangladesh free from enemies, protect our independence and sovereignty. Our goal is to equip our defence forces with modern technologies accordingly,” she said.   The Prime Minister said this after inaugurating ‘Bangabandhu Complex’ of Bangladesh Air Force Academy, Jashore here.   She also unveiled the plaque of foundation stone of Biman Sena (Air Force) Training Institute of the Air Base Zahurul Haque, Patenga, Chattogram and formally inaugurated the activities of its 105 Advanced Jet Training Unit through videoconferencing from Jashore.   Sheikh Hasina said the Father of the Nation adopted the foreign policy that ‘friendship to all and malice to none’. “We believe in this policy.”   She urged all members of the Bangladesh Air Force to work competently with confidence and self-esteem for building Bangladesh as a modern and prosperous country.   “I would like to tell all members of the Air Force that self-confidence and self-respect can take a nation forward. Honesty and competence embolden us in every workplace. So, I expect from all that keeping this in mind you will build the country as a more modern and prosperous one being imbued with the spirit of patriotism,” the Prime Minister said.

She said if her government returns to power through the next national election, it will implement a number of plans to further modernise the Bangladesh Air Force. “We’ve plans to build our Air Force properly equipping it with modern technologies as well.” 

Hasina said the government adopted the Forces Goal-2030 in line with the Defence Policy formulated by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1974.

As part of the Forces goal, the Air Force is being equipped with modern fighter aircraft and other instruments regularly, she said.

The Prime Minister said the Awami League government first procured most sophisticated MIG-29 supersonic fighter, wide-bodied C-130 cargo planes and high-power air defence radar system for the Air Force after coming to power in 1996.

Assuming power again in 2009, her government procured F-7 BGI fighter, modern salon helicopters, maritime search and rescue helicopters and air defence missile for it, she said.

As part of moderninsing the Air Force, the process continues to develop the infrastructure, including setting up air bases in Barishal and Sylhet and inducting different military equipment, Hasina said.

She said the government has approved the setting up of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University for taking the aviation sector forward.

Focusing on the country’s development, she said Bangladesh achieved 7.86 percent GDP growth in the last fiscal year and reduced the poverty rate to 21 percent. “Bangladesh is marching forward and will continue to do so. I believe no one can take Bangladesh backward anymore,” she said.

Talking about the newly constructed Bangabandhu Complex, the Prime Minister said, with its construction, it has been possible to set up international standard training academy as dreamt by the Father of the Nation.

The Bangabandhu Complex was constructed with modern facilities, including scope for providing training to some 600 flight cadets at a time. Besides, there are 11 structures, eight laboratories and hangars for 30 aircraft under the specially designed complex having a bust of the Father of the Nation in its front side.

Earlier on her arrival at the Air Force Academy, the Prime Minister was given a guard of honour by a smartly-turned out contingent of the Bangladesh Air Force.

Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat was present at the function.