AL never misused army: PM

The Awami League has never used the armed forces to serve its interest, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said.

Hasina, who leads the party, said this at a reception at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day on Thursday.

She claimed to have done whatever was needed to build up the armed forces as skilled, strong and modern entities.

The Prime Minister said it was only during the Awami League’s tenure that the armed forces had experienced unprecedented development and modernization.

Referring to the commendable role played by the armed forces in international peace keeping, and maintaining stability and security, she said, “They have not only enhanced the image of the country before the world by carrying out their peacekeeping missions skilfully and devotedly, but also that of the United Nations.”

Hasina urged all the members of the armed forces to work unitedly imbuing with the ideals and inspirations of this day for Bangladesh’s development and progress.

“Glowed with the spirit of the Liberation War, the armed forces are our pride. They have earned the credibility of the people through their varied welfare activities”, she added.

She also mentioned various steps taken up during the Awami League-led government.

Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad, also a former President of Bangladesh, among others, was present at the reception programme.

Prime Minister Hasina later exchanged greetings with the guests and their families.

She also exchanged pleasantries with BNP acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.