Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday hoped that the Army will be there with the mass people, whenever necessary, in running the country by the present government.

‘This is my firm believe the Army will be there on the side of people whenever it will be needed for running the country by the present government…you have to keep in mind that this is our country and the people of this country are also ours,’ she said.

Sheikh Hasina was addressing a programme arranged at Dhaka Cantonment marking the inauguration of 27 big and small development projects in various cantonments, including Dhaka, and other areas of the country.

The Prime Minister also asked the Army to always remain alert to face any sort of threat from internal or external sources for protecting the country’s sacred Constitution and its sovereignty.

The Prime Minister mentioned that the government always wants to run the country as a servant of people, never as a ruler.

Hasina hoped that the members of the Army will work with utmost sincerity keeping their confidence in their seniors and maintaining mutual trust, sense of responsibility, dutifulness and discipline.

She also highly praised Army’s role in distribution of relief materials among Rohingyas, construction of shelter centres and providing Medicare facilities to them and said their immense contributions have brightened the country’s image abroad.

Hasina also praised their people-oriented activities like construction of various development projects including highways, flyovers, big bridges and other establishments across the country.

The Prime Minister said the government is determined to develop a modern and smart armed force as Forces Goal-2030 has been formulated to this end which is being implemented in phases.

She also pointed out the successful launching of the country’s first communications satellite Bangabandhu-1 into the orbit, Bangladesh’s victory over maritime boundary cases against India and Myanmar and solving enclave problems.

The position of Bangladesh in water, land and space has now become clear making the Bangalee a glorious and pride nation before the world community, she said.

Referring to Bangladesh’s graduation to developing country, the Prime Minister said, the country got its dignified position leaving 16 countries behind.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh has now become self-reliant on food production with the coordinated efforts of all.

About natural calamities, she said her government is fully aware of ensuring food security for all always.

Earlier, Sheikh Hasina digitally inaugurated the recently completed 27 development projects, including newly built Cancer Centre, Fertility Center, Officers’ Club and Edible Oil Mill.

On her arrival at the venue, Prime Minister’s Security Affairs Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and Chief of Staff of Bangladesh Army General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq received the Prime Minister.

Army chief Abu Belal Muhammad delivered the welcome address at the function. PM’s Security Adviser Major General (retired) Tariq Ahmed Siddique was present at the dais.

Four video documentaries on the 27 recently completed development projects were screened on the occasion.