Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said a process is on to establish two new air bases of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) in Barisal and Sylhet with a view to improving its strength.
The Prime Minister said this while addressing the Winter President Parade of Flight Cadet Course (FCC) of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) at BAF Academy in Jessore.
“I believe with this the Bangladesh Air Force will get strengthened further and its capability will be improved,” she added.
Sheikh Hasina asked the BAF personnel to always remain alert to play role in any necessity of the country and the nation.
She urged the newly commissioned officers to discharge their responsibilities with honesty, concentration and sincerity.
“You are the son of this soil, never think yourself isolated from the common people, always try to bring smile to their faces,” she said.
Earlier, the Prime Minister reviewed the 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, reports UNB.
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 Commodore ASM 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 Course and 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.
