Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina awarded the prestigious National Standard to BAF Base Bangabandhu, which started its journey on April 9 in 2013, at an award ceremony in its parade ground at Kurmitola in Dhaka on Sunday morning.

During the ceremony the prime minister directed the members of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) to build themselves as efficient and ideal soldiers to keep the country’s air space safe.

‘You will have to be groomed yourselves as efficient and ideal troops to keep the country’s air space safe and free from enemy,’ she said.

Sheikh Hasina also asked them to be more careful about efficient use and maintenance of aircraft, radar and other war equipment that have been procured in exchange for hard-earned money of the people.

‘You will have to be more careful about your own skill not only at home, also in the soil of abroad,’ she said

During the National Standard Award Ceremony, the premier witnessed a spectacular parade commanded by Group Captain Reza Emdad Khan. The prime minister was given National Salute and three ‘cheer up’ echo, while a helicopter pass with the national flag was conducted.

Besides, a fabulous flypast by MiG-29, F-7BG and F-7BG1 fighter planes was operated followed by a special munajat for preservation of honour of the National Standard.

Ministers, advisers to the prime minister, parliament members, foreign diplomats, the chief of Naval Staff, the principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division as well high civil and military officials were present on the occasion.

Sheikh Hasina expressed her firm optimism that the members of the Air Force would be able to bring more successes for the country and the nation through their efficiency, patriotism and hard work.

‘I also hope that you would build yourselves by taking teachings from the history of the War of Liberation and would be able to fulfill the hopes and aspiration of the people,’ she said.