DHAKA, Jan 19, 2022 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed
her firm conviction that none can stop the indomitable pace of the country's
advancement as it has become a "role model" of development before the world.

  "Bangladesh is an independent country. None can ever stop the indomitable
pace of Bangladesh's advancement. It is much needed to march Bangladesh ahead
in such a way," she said.

   She also urged all to work in a united way for transforming Bangladesh into a
developed one by 2041 maintaining the country's current developing nation's
status.

   The prime minister was addressing the graduation ceremony of the "DSCSC
2021-2022 Course" of Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) held
at its Sheikh Hasina Complex, Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka, joining virtually
from her official Ganabhaban residence here.

   She mentioned that Bangladesh has appeared to be role model of development
before the world as it has achieved the status of a developing nation due to
its miracle socio-economic advancement.

  "We want to be a developed and prosperous country by 2041 keeping the
status intact," she said.

   The prime minister called upon the graduating officers to work as the
"soldiers of 2041", saying, "Move ahead, always keeping your heads high. Love
the country and its people and devote yourselves to the betterment of the
country."

   She said they have developed a dignified country with their own resources
not to extend hand for begging to others, vowing to go far ahead utilizing
their own treasures.

   "None can ignore Bangladesh from now on," she said.

   The premier urged the fresh graduating officers, particularly the overseas
officers, to be the envoys of Bangladesh as some people still love to spread
out defamatory propaganda against the country like in past despite Bangladesh
has achieved a reputed position before the world.

  Sheikh Hasina said that the image of Bangladesh has brightened due to the
country's socio-economic advancement, maintaining international peace by
Bangladeshi peacekeepers and efficiency in curbing terrorism and militancy.

   Bangladesh is now getting that honour which it had earned after becoming
an independent nation in 1971, she said.

  After the assassination of the Father of the Nation with most of his family
members in 1975, the country lost the hard-earned honour of being an
independent state that was achieved through liberation war led by
Bangabandhu, she said.

   Turning to Covid-19, the prime minister asked all to comply with the
health protocols accordingly as a new variant of the lethal virus has
emerged.

  "Follow the health protocols. Protect yourselves and your families," she
said.

   The prime minister also remotely handed over certificates among 251
graduating officers including 17 female and 47 overseas officers from 18
friendly countries.

   Commandant of the DSCSC Major General Md Jubayer Salehin delivered the
welcome address at the function.

  Sheikh Hasina said her government is following the foreign policy
"Friendship to all, malice to none" adopted by Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

  She added: "We don't want to fight with anyone. But, we will not remain
silent if the country's independence and sovereignty are attacked. We
definitely protect it or denounce it."

  Following the foreign policy, she said they are holding talks with Myanmar
and international communities to send back the Rohingyas to their homeland in
a peaceful manner.

  "Bangladesh has created a dignified position in the world due to our
foreign policy," she continued.

   The prime minister said that they are building the armed forces with
modern equipment in such a way, so that they can protect the country's
independence and sovereignty.

  "I want each of the members of the armed forces to be international
standard and for that I have done many things that included changing the
designations, "she said.

  Describing the armed forces as the symbol of independence and sovereignty,
the premier said that the armed forces personnel are always ready for making
supreme sacrifice in any needs of the nation alongside protecting the
country's independence and sovereignty.

  She highly praised the contribution of the armed forces in dealing with the
Covid-19 situation despite the fact that the world economy and livelihoods
have become standstill due to the pandemic.

  The armed forces personnel have brightened the image of Bangladesh on the
world stage by working with efficiency and devotion in the peacekeeping
missions, she said, adding that Bangladesh has once again topped as
peacekeepers sending country.

   Spelling out the government's steps for development of the DSCSC, she said
the government has taken up projects to extend infrastructural facilities of
this college.

  About the DSCSC, the prime minister said the institution has been acclaimed
as a unique military educational institution in the international arena.

  Since its inception, she said, this college has successfully completed 128
courses, through which, 5686 officers including 1255 overseas ones from 43
countries have so far graduated.