Bangladesh Army Receives MBT-2000 Tank and SLC-2 Radar

 



DHAKA, Dec 13, 2012 (BSS)- The artillery strength of Bangladesh Army has entered into a new phase with acquisition of fourth generation main battle tank 2000 (mbt- 2000) and Weapon Locating Radar SLC-2.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the mbt-2000 and SLC-2 radar at a function at Army Aviation Group area, Tejgaon here this morning. It's the first procurement of tanks and sophisticated radar for Bangladesh Army with own resources.

Terming the induction of the modern tank and radar in the army as a great event for the nation, she said the month of December is best time for such acquisition, because it's the month of our victory.

"In this month we freed the nation from the clutches of occupation forces and their collaborators through a diehard battle in which valiant members of our armed forces were in the fore," she said.

Handing over the tanks to Bengal Cavalry, senior unit of artillery corps of Bangladesh Army, Sheikh Hasina said it will enhance the capacity of our artillery corps and strengthen our military power.

Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Captain (retd) AB Tajul Islam, PM's Adviser on Defense Affairs Major General (retd) Tarique Siddique, chiefs of three services and senior civil and military officials were present.

The Prime Minister said the artillery corps of Bangladesh Army was founded by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman after independence. Bangabandhu handed over 30 T-54 tanks to the artillery corps given by the Egypt government, she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the government has taken steps for upgrading more T-59 tanks for artillery. New sound ranging equipment procured from Britain will be added to the artillery corps. "It will strengthen capacity of the artillery force to accurately locate hostile canons, rockets and long range weapons," she added.

Highlighting her government's stride to build a modern armed forces, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her government after taking office in 1996 had taken steps for acquisition of sophisticated arms and ammunitions for the three services.

National Defense College (NDC) was established to bring professional excellence in the members of the armed forces.Besides, armed forces medical college, military institute of science and technology, institute of professionals and peacekeeping institute were founded along with formation of a number of new brigades and battalions, she said.

Sheikh Hasina reminded that country's first defense policy was framed at the directives of the Father of the Nation. In light of that policy, she said, the Awami League government prepared Forces Goal-2030 aimed at making the three forces more decorative, modern and organized.

Recalling the role of the members of the armed forces in UN peace keeping mission, she said they are earning honour for the nation. At the same time they are contributing to the socio- economic development of the country, she said.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister also highlighted the successes of her government over the period after taking office in 2009. She said people of every sector irrespective of their economic level were benefited during this period.

"For many countries Bangladesh is now considered as a role model of socio-economic development. Around five crore people elevated their position from poor-class to middle-class and per capita income has been raised to US$ 850 from US$ 630," she said.

The Prime Minister said her government is striving for building a poverty and hunger free Bangladesh by 2021 to materialize the dreams and aspirations of the martyrs of the war of liberation. She urged all to work with devotion to achieve the goal.
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