Democracy must continue uninterrupted: Hasina to army

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on the army to continue to maintain democracy and the constitution in addition to protecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

“In addition to preserving the continuity of our democracy and our constitution, the military must play a significant role in building a modern, developed and prosperous Bangladesh,” she said.

“We must maintain peace and order.”

The prime minister made the remarks at the sixth reunion of the army corps of engineers at the Qadirabad Cantonment in Natore.

“You must always remain ready to face any threat, internal or external, to our sacred constitution and our nation’s sovereignty,” she told the audience.

She described the engineering corps as an essential and storied part of the army.

The prime minister spoke of increasing the recruitment capacity of the Engineer Cenre and School of Military Engineering.

Hasina praised the role the army had played in the renovation of Buddhist temples in Ramu and Ukhiya Upazilas following communal attacks. The armed forces have become a ‘supreme example’ in the help and support they provide following natural disasters.

She also highlighted the various military development and welfare efforts made by the AwamI League government.

The sincere efforts of the Awami League government have helped improve the lives of the troops, she said.

Hasina inspected the guard and received salutes after arriving at the academy. She was met there by Army Chief Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq.

The prime minister will travel to Rajshahi from Natore. She is to address an Awami League rally at a madrasa venue there.