Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked the army personnel to prepare themselves in such way so that they can uphold the country’s dignity in the global arena.

“Our army personnel have to work at home and abroad. So, you have to be efficient in every aspect. And, you should always remain alert relating to uphold the country’s dignity wherever you will go across the globe,” she said.

The premier was addressing a ceremony as the chief guest virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence in the capital marking the President Parade-2020 of the passing out cadets of the 79th BMA Long Course. Bangladesh Army organised the function at the parade ground of the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA), Bhatiary, Chattogram.

Mentioning that Bangladesh had achieved victory through a Liberation War under the leadership of Father of the Nation, the Prime Minister said, “You (army personnel) have to prepare yourselves in such a way so that you can move around the world keeping your heads high and uphold the country’s dignity.”

Greeting the fresh cadets for getting commissioned as officers of the Bangladesh Army upon completion of their training course, the Prime Minister said, “I want you to be more successful, efficient and well-educated in leadership as the nation can always feel proud of you.”

She gave directives to the army personnel particularly the freshers to work for the welfare of the countrymen, saying, “We want you to always stand beside the people and make contributions towards improvement of their livelihoods.”

In this connection, the premier reminded the army personnel that they are the sons of the soil and their parents and relatives are among the commoners. She went on saying “All will be benefitted if the country becomes developed and peace prevails in the country.”

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed distributed various prizes among the winners. The army chief also thanked the premier for joining the programme.

Battalion senior under officer of the 79th BMA Long Course Md Mahmudul Hasan has been awarded with the decorated “Sword of Honour” as the best all round cadet and “Army Chief Gold Medal” award for his best performance in the military subjects.

The cadets also took formal oaths on the occasion. Bangladesh Army arranged a spectacular parade marking the occasion which the premier witnessed virtually from the Ganabhaban.