Promote those who believe in spirit of Liberation War

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked senior officials of Bangladesh Army to rise above personal likings and dislikings and select the most qualified, capable, efficient and patriotic officers, who believe in the spirit of the Liberation War, for promotion.

Terming the belief on Bangladesh's independence and the Liberation War spirit as the fundamental ideology and prime issue for the Armed Forces, Hasina said, "Leadership must be bestowed upon the patriotic officers."

Addressing the Army Headquarters Selection Board-2015 at the Army Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment, she suggested that army generals give priority to educational qualifications, professional excellence, honesty, trust worthiness and loyalty as well as discipline and leadership quality.

Hasina claimed that no government had worked so much for the development of the army in the past as her government did.

Referring to the role of the army in maintaining world peace, she said members of the Bangladesh Army brightened the country's image in the international arena and it is now a symbol of confidence and discipline.

Contributions of officers to various important occasions, including containing militancy and conducting anti-terrorism operation, also should be evaluated during selection, she said.

Two FM-90, surface to air missile system regiment will be included in the Bangladesh Army by 2017 which will strengthen its capability and enable the force members to perform at the UN Peacekeeping Missions more professionally, she added.