Jashore: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the armed forces will be equipped with modern technologies to have all sorts of preparation to protect the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh in case of any attack.

‘We don’t want to engage in war with anyone...but if there’s any attack, we’ll have all sorts of preparation to keep Bangladesh free from enemies, protect our independence and sovereignty. Our goal is to equip our defence forces with modern technologies accordingly,’ she said.

The Prime Minister said this after inaugurating ‘Bangabandhu Complex’ of Bangladesh Air Force Academy, Jashore here, reports the UNB.

She also unveiled the plaque of foundation stone of Biman Sena (Air Force) Training Institute of the Air Base Zahurul Haque, Patenga, Chattogram and formally inaugurated the activities of its 105 Advanced Jet Training Unit through videoconferencing from Jashore.

Sheikh Hasina said the Father of the Nation adopted the foreign policy that ‘friendship to all and malice to none’. ‘We believe in this policy.’

She urged all members of the Bangladesh Air Force to work competently with confidence and self-esteem for building Bangladesh a modern and prosperous country.

‘I would like to tell all members of the Air Force that self-confidence and self-respect can take a nation forward. Honesty and competence embolden us in every workplace. So, I expect from all that keeping this in mind you will build the country as a more modern and prosperous one being imbued with the spirit of patriotism.’

The Bangabandhu Complex was constructed with modern facilities including scope for providing training to some 600 flight cadets at a time. Besides, there are 11 structures, eight laboratories and hangars for 30 aircrafts under the complex.

Earlier on her arrival at the Air Force Academy, the Prime Minister was given a guard of honour by a smartly-turned out contingent of the Bangladesh Air Force.

Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat was present at the function.