Armed forces must be made invincible: Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the people never to forget the glorious saga of the Liberation War and said the armed forces must become invincible.

“We must temper ourselves in a way so as not lose or be defeated,” she said.
 
She was speaking at a function marking the induction of the Russian combat training aircraft Yak-130 and the Italian search and rescue helicopter Autusta AW-139 into Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) on Sunday.  
 
“There are resource constraints. But that will not be a hindrance. 
 
“If we have confidence in ourselves, the people of Bangladesh will be able to move ahead with that feeling of self-esteem,” she said while speaking as the chief guest of the programme held at the BAF Base Bangabandhu in Dhaka’s Kurmitola.
 
The prime minister told the Air Force staff technologically advanced hardware and management would enhance this defence wing’s “skill and operational capabilities”.   
 
“Despite limited resources, the present government has never held back any possible help that can be extended to you, and will not do so in future,” she added.
 
The Air Force will soon have five new MI-171 SH helicopters and 12 PT-6 trainer aircraft.
 
Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Abu Esrar and Base Commander Air Commodore M Obayedur Rahman welcomed the prime minister.

She inspected a march past and took a guard of honour before handing over to Squadron Leader-21 Wing Commander Ashrafuzzaman and to Wing Commander-1 the induction papers of the Yak-130 and Augusta AW-139.   
 
She later took a look at the two craft.
 
Guests were told the ‘fly-by-wire’ Yak-130 was not only capable of providing world-class training but could also lend crucial support to the Army and Navy during combat operations.
 
The plane attains a maximum speed of 1,060 kmph, can fly 2,300 km non-stop, and cruise at an altitude of 12,000 metres for three hours and 20 minutes.
 
The plane is also capable of carrying an assortment of weaponry.
 
The Augusta AW-139, fitted with auto-pilot technology, can embark on rescue missions in in coastal and deep sea areas even in adverse weather conditions. 
 
It can also lend tactical support to the Army and paramilitary forces.