We are raising armed forces to global standard: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said that her government had transformed every part of the armed forces into three-dimensional forces.
"We actually made every force as a three-dimensional one so that they can always stay ready for all times,'she said, focusing on various measures taken for the development of the armed forces.

The PM said this while addressing a program arranged at PGR headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment on the occasion of the 49th founding anniversary of President Guard Regiment.

She greeted the PGR members on the occasion of its founding anniversary saying that they've been performing their duty sincerely, risking their lives defying all adversities like rains, storms and hot weather.

Noting that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman founded the PGR on 5 July 1975. PGR has now become a smart and well-organized force, Sheikh Hasina stated. Sheikh Hasina added that her government has been working relentlessly to raise the status of the armed forces of Bangladesh to global standard. The PGR has been making a huge contribution to providing security to the VVIPs including the Head of State, the Head of the government and the family members of the father of the nation.

'Besides, their role in case of different state programs is very admirable,' she said.

The prime minister said she continued to protest in international forums against the genocide being carried out in Gaza by Israel.
'We're always on the side of Palestinians,' she said.

She said, 'The way they are torturing children and women and causing sufferings to the people there can't really be tolerated. We always protest against injustice and stand for justice.'

Talking about the development of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said since Awami League (AL) was given the responsibility to run the country for a long period since 2009, her government successfully started the trend of changing the fate of the country's people.

'Bangladesh is now the 33rd largest economy in the world,' she said, adding that the country was now a role model for development.
The prime minister asked all to practice austerity and work to boost production to take the country forward.

'Everyone will have to practice austerity to some extent in all cases. If we can move forward by showing austerity and increasing production, we'll be able to reach our desired destination,' she said.

In the event, the prime minister handed over the donation and gifts to the families of martyred PGR members who lost lives while performing the security duty.

PGR commander Brigadier General Mohammad Khaled Kamal delivered the welcome speech at the function.
The Prime Minister's Security Affairs Adviser Major General (Retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and the chiefs of three services were present at the function.