Jessore: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday directed the newly commissioned Air Force officers to remain firm to implement the pledges of keeping airspace of the country being imbued with patriotism.

‘You’re the son of this soil, never think yourself isolated from the common people, always try to bring smile to their faces,’ she said.

The Prime Minister said this while addressing the Winter President Parade of Flight Cadet Course (FCC) of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) at BAF Academy here, reports the UNB.

Sheikh Hasina asked the BAF personnel to always remain alert to play the role in any necessity of the country and the nation apart from protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty.

She directed the newly commissioned officers to discharge their responsibilities with honesty, concentration and sincerity. ‘I believe with this the Bangladesh Air Force will get strengthened further and its capability will be improved.’

Hasina said a process is on to set up two new air bases of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) in Barisal and Sylhet, aiming to improve its strength and capability.

Mentioning that the Air Force is playing its role from the front in facing natural disasters, conducting rescue operation and distributing relief materials both at home and abroad, she said their significant role has brightened the image of Bangladesh before the world.

Hasina also asked the fresh Air Force officers to always remain active in achieving efficiency keeping pace with the growing technological development and change in the world.

Pointing out the defence policy of Bangabandhu which was formulated in 1974 to develop a strong and trained armed force suiting an independent country, the Prime Minister said, ‘Bangabandhu undertook steps to establish a modern Air Force considering the geographical location and defence strategy.’

Following this policy, her government inducted modern fighter planes including fourth generation MIG 29 Fighter Plane, large capacity C-130 Transport Aircraft, modern helicopters, surface to air missiles and High Powered Air Defence Radar to the Air Force to further modernise it and make it more time-befitting one.

About the BAF Training Academy, the Prime Minister said, on completion of various development schemes and projects, it would be turned into a world-class training centre.

The Prime Minister expressed her firm optimism that the country’s Air Force would soon be established at home and abroad as modern, professional and smart force in terms of technological and strategic capability desired by the Father of the Nation.

Earlier, the Prime Minister reviewed the smartly turned-out parade and took salute at the impressive March past as the chief guest. She also handed over trophies, certificates and flying badges among the flight cadets.

Flight Cadet Academy Under Officer Ahmad Musa commanded the parade, which was followed by a spectacular fly past of different BAF aircraft.

On her arrival at the BAF Academy Parade Ground, the Prime Minister was received by Air Chief Marshal Abu Esrar and Commandant of BAF Academy Air CommodoreASM Fakhrul Islam.

Among others, ministers, parliament members, the chief of Naval Staff, diplomats, high civil and military officials, local dignitaries and guardians of the flight cadets were present.

With today’s Winter President Parade, a total of 79 flight cadets -- 68 flight cadets from 74 BAF Academy Courseand 11 from Direct Entry 2017 -- were commissioned.Among them 13 were female cadets.

Flight Cadet Mirza Md Zobair Hossain was presented with the coveted ‘Sword of Honour’ for his best all round performance in 74 BAF Academy Course, while Flight Cadet Shahriar Tanjim received the ‘Commandant’s Trophy’ for his best performance in General Service Training.

Flight Cadet Mirza Md Zobair Hossain received ‘Birshreshtha Matiur Rahman Trophy’ for his best performance in flying training , while Flight Cadet FM Shahidul Islam Sujon received ‘Chief of Air Staff Trophy’ for his best allround performance in Ground Batch.

The number 01 Squadron which was adjudged the ‘Champion Squadron’, was awarded with Academy Colour for overall performance.

Two pilots of the Air Force and two pilots of Bangladesh Navy received flying badges from the Prime Minister.