Dhaka: Terming the Armed Forces as the country’s symbol of independence and sovereignty, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked them to contribute more to progress of the nation and maintain democratic and constitutional stability in future.

‘Our Armed Forces have earned name and fame on foreign lands by their honesty and professional efficacy. Bangladesh Armed Forces are contributing significantly to peacekeeping in various countries under the emblem of UN mission,’ she said, reports the BSS.

The premier added: ‘The success of the Armed Forces has heightened the image of Bangladesh.

They will also have to play an important role in progress of the nation and maintaining democratic and constitutional stability so that we could take forward the country’s development spree.’

The prime minister was addressing the graduation ceremony of the ‘DSCSC 2018-2019 Course’ of Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) at Sheikh Hasina Complex of the college at Mirpur Cantonment in Dhaka this morning.

Commandant of the college Major General Md Enayet Ullah delivered the welcome address at the function.

Ministers, advisers to the prime minister, parliament members, acting chief of army staff, chiefs of the Navy and Air Force, principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division, vice-chancellors of different public and private universities, foreign diplomats and high civil and military officials were present.

The premier said the Armed Forces are symbol of the country’s independence and sovereignty.

‘Alongside the noble responsibility of protecting our sovereignty, the members of our patriotic Armed Forces are also making significant contributions to the fields of tackling any crisis and disasters, construction of infrastructures, socio-economic development, maintaining law and order etc,’ she said.

Sheikh Hasina said in the backdrop of today’s changing global security scenario, the role of the Armed Forces has got new dimensions.

‘Keeping this in mind, the Defence Services Command and Staff College has given due importance to this issue in their training syllabi,’ she said.

She underscored the need for making the training and syllabus time-befitting so that the members of the Armed Forces could move keeping pace with the world.

Sheikh Hasina instructed graduating officers of the college to remain prepared for undertaking higher leadership role as well as perform responsibilities with integrity.

‘You have successfully completed this course by dint of your hard work and perseverance and this course will make you more confident in discharging assigned duties and in facing any challenge, more efficiently,’ she said.

The premier continued: ‘You all should be prepared to undertake higher leadership role … you all shall perform your duties with integrity.’