Stay prepared to deal with any disaster: PM to new Navy officers

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked the newly commissioned Navy officers to stay prepared to deal with any natural disaster in the country.

"Being imbued with the quality of honesty, leadership and self-sacrifice, you [Navy men] have to be prepared always to face any disaster alongside protecting the country's sovereignty standing shoulder to shoulder with the Army and Air Force members," she said.

The premier was addressing the Winter President Parade of the passing out cadets of the "Midshipmen 2020 Alfa Batch" and the "Direct Entry 2022 Bravo Batch" of Bangladesh Navy at Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA) at Patenga in Chattogram.

Mentioning that Bangladesh is a disaster-prone country, she said Bangladesh Navy always stands beside people and takes part in rescue operations and relief distribution efficiently during any disaster.

"I want new officers (of Navy) to work with sincerity," she said, adding, "You must have to be disciplined at all times and have to discharge duty with discipline and devotion being imbued with patriotism."

She hoped that the new officers, who are passing out today and going to take responsibility, will brighten the country's image by discharging their own duty.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh will be made a developed country by 2041 and each citizen of Bangladesh will prepare themselves with the knowledge of technology.

"Our economy and implementation of any plan will be made digitally. Bangladesh will be 'Smart Bangladesh' and developed Bangladesh, as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," she said.