PM pledges to upgrade air force

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has promised further development of the Bangladesh Air Force ensuring modern technology for it.

“We have more plans for the air force which we will implement if we are re-elected,” said Hasina as she spoke during the inauguration of Bangabandhu Complex at Jashore Air Force Academy on Thursday.

She recalled the different measures taken by the Awami League government for the development of the air force after the Liberation War.

“We don’t want to engage in wars with anyone but should be prepared to fight the enemies and uphold our sovereignty if attacked.”

“Confidence and self-respect can drive a nation forward. You should move the country forward with your honesty and patriotism,” she told the members of the air force.

Hasina unveiled a bronze statue of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the complex, reports bdnews24.com.

The new Bangabandhu Complex housing 12 buildings and other infrastructures can accommodate 600 cadets at a time for training.

The academy has a training wing, a flying training wing, a cadet training wing, a support wing, a banquette hall, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, an auditorium and other facilities.

It also houses different science laboratories.

The prime minister also inaugurated 105 Advanced Jet Training Unit of Air Force Base Jahurul Haque in Patenga, Chattogram and foundation stone of Air Force Training Institute through video-conference from Jashore.

“The new modern training institute will create air force personnel having theoretical knowledge and modern technological knowledge.”

The 105 Advanced Jet Training Unit has been established to create skilled and professional air force pilots needed for multi-role fighter-planes.

“These institutes will increase the operational capacity of the air force, develop the training facilities and increase the quality of life for the air force personnel and their families,” said Hasina.

The present government has increased the length of basic training for air force cadets to ensure the training quality, said the prime minister. It has also modernised the training course for air force fighters, she added.

Hasina mentioned the addition of modern jet and transportation training planes, helicopter trainers and MI series helicopter simulator to the air force to ensure modern training of its members.

There are other ongoing infrastructural projects like establishing air bases in Barishal and Sylhet, inclusion of other equipment as part of the modernisation and expansion of the air force, Hasina said.

The inauguration was marked with a march-past and a salute to the prime minister. She also watched a flypast and flying techniques by pilots. Later, she toured the complex.

Bangladesh Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, head of airbase Birshrestha Matiur Rahman and Air Force Academy commandant welcomed Hasina to the Jashore Air Base in the morning.

Cabinet members, the prime minister’s advisers, head of three forces, parliamentarians and officials of the air force were present on the occasion.