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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that her government is in the process of acquiring more modern fighter jets and other equipment to modernize the Bangladesh Air Force through the implementation of the 2030 Forces Target.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the remarks while addressing the 2020 President’s Parade (winter) at the Bangladesh Air Force Academy, Jessore this afternoon. The Prime Minister participated in the event virtually via video conference from Ganobhaban.
“The Air Force will soon have Air Defense System Integration, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System, Mobile Gap Fill Radar and next-generation Air Defense Radar,” he said.
“Following in the footsteps of the Father of the Nation, the Awami League government has been making unremitting efforts to make the Bangladesh Air Force stronger and more up-to-date in different terms,” he said, adding that his government has already taken measures to modernize the air force.
He said the government has already added modern high-powered aircraft, helicopters, radars, surface-to-air missiles, state-of-the-art weapons and key equipment as part of the development and modernization of the Air Force.
The Prime Minister said that agreements were signed for the purchase of five state-of-the-art C-130J transport aircraft to enhance the Air Force’s capacity, three of which have already arrived in the country. Seven more state-of-the-art K-7W jet trainer aircraft have been added to ensure better pilot training, and a PT-7 simulator will be added soon.
He said: ‘Now maybe because of Kovid-19 we can’t spend any more money. However, we have plans to upgrade the Air Force.
Referring to the establishment of the ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University’ in Lalmonirhat, the Prime Minister said that the university will practice aviation, aircraft construction, research and space science.
“I hope that one day Bangladesh can build fighter jets, transport planes and helicopters, inshallah,” he said.
He also expressed the hope that one day it would be possible to travel to space through the practice of space science and announced that that effort would continue.
The Prime Minister enjoyed the pleasant flight of the Air Force on the occasion. At that time he was greeted with a state salute through a parade.
Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman distributed flying badges, trophies and other awards on behalf of the Prime Minister at the ceremony.
Squad Junior Officer Shakil Ahmed received the ‘Sword of Honor’ at the ceremony as the best intelligent cadet.
“Our objective is to protect the independence and sovereignty of this country, the well-being of the people and the general development of the country,” he told the chief who distributed cadets.
He said: ‘We want to build Bangladesh as a developed and prosperous country free from hunger and poverty. So I would say to all the members of our air force, and especially to all the young cadets, we are a country and a nation that has won the war. Remembering that, we have to walk in the court of the world with our heads held high on our chests. And we have to get in shape through training. ‘
Referring to the successful participation of the armed forces in the UN peacekeeping force in establishing world peace, he said: “We have to keep up with those who come from different countries.” We are making the kind of modern technology that is needed to ensure that Bangladesh is left behind in nothing.
“I would like to tell the cadets that by taking advantage of the Air Force’s unique training opportunities, they will be built in such a way that they will be able to fulfill what our Bangladesh expects of young people like you,” he said.
Sheikh Hasina said: “We have approved the organizational structure of the Helicopter Simulator Training Institute and the Aviators Training Institute.”
He said that the role of the Air Force in emerging as an industrialized nation combining technology and industrialization with education, not just education, is truly commendable.
“Through this, the Air Force will take a further step in establishing a Vision 2041 knowledge-based society and the government will always support the Bangladesh Air Force to provide all possible cooperation in this regard,” he added.
The Prime Minister also gave an example of the need for the Father of the Nation to build a modern air force in light of his visionary thinking while in a shattered economy rebuilding a war-torn country.
He said that the Father of the Nation had formulated the National Defense Policy in 1974 for that purpose. In 1983, it added new equipment to the Air Force, including next-generation MiG-21 supersonic fighter jets, helicopters and transport aircraft, and air defense radars.
With this, a modern air force began its journey in this country, he said, adding that after 21 years, the Awami League came to power in 96 and bought the most modern MiG-29 fighter jet at the time.
Referring to the effective role of Air Force members in various state disasters, including the Corona epidemic, the Prime Minister said: “Everyone has appreciated your commitment to the country and the nation.”
He said: ‘Your innovative capacity and your systematic measures to tackle the Corona epidemic have set an example to follow. It has brought a large quantity of medical equipment from China and South Korea across the country’s borders.
Not only that, the air force along with humanitarian aid has reached several countries, including the Maldives and Lebanon, with the message of friendship from the government of Bangladesh. Corona has brought back stranded Bangladeshis in different parts of the world with the utmost compassion, he said.
The Prime Minister said: “I congratulate all members of the Bangladesh Air Force for their commendable role in disaster management after Cyclone Amphan. Additionally, the Air Force has also brought corona patients to Dhaka for quick treatment.
He said that the green revolution that will be started by planting high-quality tree seeds on Nijhum Island and Domar Char and in the future in remote mountainous areas with the help of the forestry department through the air force will play a unique role in the maintenance of the balance of the natural environment of the country.
He thanked the Bangladesh Air Force for continuing the Air Force’s work of sowing seeds in mountainous areas after it assumed power in 1996.
He thanked the Air Force for successfully rescuing four students stranded in Himchhari at the time and said: “Although it was not possible to land a helicopter in the remote area, the Air Force has been very efficient in rescuing the students.”
According to ISPR sources, four students called ‘999’ (National Emergency Service) when they got lost while walking through the Darianagar hills of Himchhari on Saturday. They were later rescued from the Zahurul Haque Air Force base in a search and rescue operation with the help of an AW-139 helicopter.
She thanked everyone for the parade and the flypast at the event and thanked the inclusion of female members in the parade.
Sheikh Hasina said: “I am very happy and proud of the lively participation of the female cadets in this pleasant parade. The first group of female aviators recently completed their training. I believe that this step by the current government will play an important role in establishing the rights and social status of women.
The Prime Minister also thanked all the trainers and concerned individuals, including the Commander of the Bangladesh Air Force Academy, for their tireless work and efforts to successfully complete today’s training parade.
Addressing the cadets who were fainting, the Prime Minister further said: “I wish you success in your career, which began today after quality and rigorous training.”
“I believe that being inspired by the ideals of the Father of the Nation, he will be able to play the role that corresponds to him in the protection of the country with respect for the Constitution,” he said.
