Savar: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday renewed her call to Myanmar to immediately start the repatriation of their forcibly displaced Rohingya nationals from Bangladesh.

"We're continuing our bilateral talks with Myanmar so that these Myanmar nationals (Rohingyas) could return to their country...it's my call to Myanmar to start taking back soon their nationals from Bangladesh," she said.

The prime minister was addressing a parade marking the handover of National Standard (national flag) to the Corps of Military Police (CMP) Centre at Savar Cantonment.

Referring to the influx of over six to seven lakh forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens to Bangladesh since August 25 this year, Sheikh Hasina said these Myanmar nationals are a burden on Bangladesh. "But, they're being provided with various facilities, including shelter, food and medicare despite various limitations."

Sheikh Hasina mentioned that her government has taken various steps for resolving the Rohingya crisis while various forces of the country, including the Armed Forces, Police, BGB and RAB alongside the administration, local public representatives and people are providing necessary services to the Rohingyas.

The premier also urged all, including the Armed Forces members, to work for welfare and development of the country with utmost sincerity to place Bangladesh into a dignified position at the global stage.

She also hoped that the Bangladesh Army will play an important role in public welfare activities alongside promoting democracy and constitutional rule in the country.

Sheikh Hasina inspected the parade and took salute. Parade Commander Let Col Muhammad Humayun Rashed was present.

Later, she inaugurated the newly-constructed 'CMP Centre and School Complex' at Savar Cantonment.

Bangladesh Army has emerged as a disciplined and modern force in the world arena, said Hasina adding that modernisation and training for enhancing their professional excellence will continue in the future.

The prime minister said her government has attached importance to modernisation of the CMP Centre and School. In view of this, a complex has been constructed equipped with facilities of international standard training and administrative capacity.

Sheikh Hasina said two new Military Police units were constituted while the rank of the MP unit has been elevated to Lieutenant Colonel from Major. The units are being equipped with modern technologies and transports.

The prime minister said Bangladesh is now a brand name in the UN Peacekeeping Missions, which is a matter of great pride for us. "Members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces are bringing honour and dignity for the nation through their immense sacrifice, dutifulness and professionalism during discharging their duties in peacekeeping missions," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said reformation and changes as well as acquisition of sophisticated armories are going on to build it as a world standard force.

New infantry divisions were raised up in Sylhet and Cox's Bazar. The work on formation of another infantry division in Lebukhali of Barisal will be completed soon.

Earlier on her arrival at the venue, the Prime Minister was received by Army Chief General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, GOC of Army Training and Doctrine Command Lit General Aziz Ahmed, and CMP Center & School Commandant Brigadier General Md Mahfuzur Rahman.

Besides, Ministers, PM's Security Adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Navy Chief, MPs, Colonel Commandment of the Military Police Corps Mia Mohammad Zainul Abedin, and high Civil and military officials were also present.

Addressing a luncheon held in Honour of her marking the handing over of National Standard to Corps of Military Police (CMP) Center & School on its premises at Savar Cantonment the Prime Minister asked the Corps of Military Police and Center to uphold every time the dignity of the national flag.

She also said that her government has a plan to recruit female army personnel into the Corps of Military Police.