President's Parade Held

'Remain vigilant to protect sovereignty'

30 June 2010, 18:00 PM

Unb, Chittagong

Summer Graduation President's Parade marking the commissioning of Midshipmen 2008 'B' batch of Bangladesh Navy was held at Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA) here yesterday. Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral ZU Ahmed attended the ceremony as the chief guest and reviewed the smartly turned-out parade and took salute at the impressive march past. A total of 23 Midshipmen were commissioned in this batch, said an ISPR release. He also distributed trophies among the Midshipmen who came out with excellent performance and results during the training period. Midshipman Raqibul Hasan, BN was adjudged as the best all round Midshipman and awarded with the coveted 'Sword of Honour' and also received 'Osmani Gold Medal' for his outstanding result in academic subject. Besides, Midshipman Hasan Iqbal Roni BN received 'CNS Medal' for his outstanding performance in professional subjects. Navy is the pioneer force to induct female officers in the Armed Forces. A total of 16 female officers and 36 female cadets have been trained at BNA since 2000. Navy chief remembered the contribution of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who handed over the Naval Ensign to Bangladesh Navy 37 years ago and his commitment to build a balanced naval force. Navy Chief also mentioned that soon Bangladesh Navy will emerge as a strong force through steps taken by the present government. Addressing on the occasion, Navy Chief called upon all newly commissioned officers to be honest and remain vigilant to protect the sovereignty of our motherland, which was attained through the sacrifice of lakhs of martyrs. Navy chief also remembered the contribution of naval personnel, who took part in UN Peacekeeping Mission and said, “For the success of Bangladesh Navy, it is the first time that two Bangladeshi Warships participated in UN Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The image of Bangladesh will increase abroad by joining this two-war ship in UN mission”. He added that, officers and cadets from friendly countries like the UK, Turkey, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, India and Pakistan were trained at Naval Academy during the last few years. Navy Chief also said efforts are going on to build Bangladesh Navy to a three dimensional navy to keep pace with other contemporary world navies. In this regard, he said soon two castle class OPV ship and one Ruebek class survey ship shall be added in Bangladesh Navy. Besides, process for building two missile LPC with China has been completed and building Patrol Crafts at Khulna Shipyard will also be completed soon. Apart from this, Maritime Patrol Helicopter will be added in Navy by 2011 and efforts are continuing to add Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).