PM reminds Air Force personnel of their responsibilities towards civilians during natural disaster

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon the Air Force personnel to act as friends of people during natural disaster besides being the protector of Bangladesh airspace.

She was speaking at a programme to mark the induction of L-410, a trainer transport aircraft, to the fleet of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) on Wednesday.

“There is no alternative to hard work, professional skill, and honesty. That is why emphasis should be given on training and practicing lessons with dedication and discipline.”

She hoped that the new aircraft procured through ‘the people’s hard-earned money’ would be well maintained and properly utilised.

“During war time (you should) be the vigilant of the airspace and during natural disasters become people’s friend,” she said addressing the BAF personnel.

At the programme held at BAF Bashar Base in Dhaka, prime minister hoped that before the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence, the force would be able to become more modern, technically strong, powerful, and efficient.

She said, “The Awami League government has always given importance to strengthening of the force and hoped the best for the BAF personnel.”

The newly added L-410 transport aircraft is made by Czech Republic. So far, two aircrafts have been added to the fleet. The third is scheduled to arrive within a month.

In the past, the flyers of the transport aircrafts used to take basic flying lessons on PT-6 and later on T-37. After that they would practice flying transport aircraft. This hiked the training cost.

Induction of L-410 to the fleet would cut down this cost substantially. Since this aircraft has more landing flexibilities it will be helpful in carrying relief goods to the remote areas during any disaster.

The aircraft is also specially designed for conducting search and rescue operation, air patrolling, air survey, and para trooping.

This would lift the overall transport capabilities of the Air Force to the international standard, the PM hoped.

“We have a strong foundation for training infrastructure. We are far ahead in terms of skills and standards. In the last 20 years UN mission our flyers have achieved about 50,000 flying hours which is undoubtedly a great achievement.”

The programme was attended among others by MPs, prime minister’s advisers, chiefs of army and naval forces, and higher officials of the three forces.