DHAKA  – President M Abdul Hamid today asked the participants of National Defence Course (NDC) and Armed Forces War Course (AFWC) to contribute more to the country’s overall development by facing challenges with efficiency.

“Utilize your experience to face the challenges for overall development of the country,” he said while addressing the concluding session of the NDC and AFW course-2018 at Sheikh Hasina Complex at Mirpur Cantonment here.

Congratulating all course members for their successful completion of the courses here, the President said, “I believe, your acquired knowledge, wills and pledges will help serve people more and expedite a sustainable development and progress of the country.”

He said Bangladesh set up a tremendous example of development in socio- economic sector in the world upholding the spirit of Liberation War and ideals of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“Country is proceeding towards development in line with Vision-2021, Vision-2041 and Delta Plan-2100,” the President mentioned.

The President said the strategic importance of Bangladesh is increasing gradually in the international arena and the country is playing very significant and constructive role in different international and regional forums.

Referring to Bangabandhu’s foreign policy “friendship to all, malice towards none”, the President said, “Bangladesh always believes in world peace and stability . . . We are firm to maintain peaceful coexistence with all neighboring countries as well.”

The President added that Bangladesh, despite its limitations, set an instance of humanitarian act by giving shelter to tens of thousands of persecuted Myanmar Rohingyas.

The President, who is also the supreme commander of the armed forces, also drew attention to armed forces about the rapid expansion of war techniques and information-technology.

“The cyber crime is on the rise due to expansion of technologies and concerned officers must have necessary knowledge in this connection,” he added.

Lauding the contribution of armed forces to various sectors, including United Nations peacekeeping missions, President Hamid said the government is working to increase the capacity of armed forces to face the challenges of
the 21st centuries in line with the Forces Goal-2030.

Pointing at participants from friendly countries, the President said, “During the year-long stay in Bangladesh, I believe, you have acquired invaluable knowledge and experience which will enlighten you in days to come.

“Apart from your routine programme here, you have made a warm social bond and friendship beyond professional relationship. It is my conviction that you will be the good-will ambassadors of Bangladesh after returning to
your respective country from here.”

Prime Minister’s defence and security adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique, the chiefs of three services, members of parliament, senior civil and military officials, and secretaries concerned to the Bangabhaban, among others, were present on the occasion.