PM unveils big defence-purchase plan

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday unveiled her government's big defence-purchase plan to soon procure fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missile system, helicopters, air-defense radars and armaments for Bangladesh Air Force, reports UNB.

Besides, she said, the government had already approved a development plan for constructing necessary infrastructure at Cox's Bazar for smooth operation of fighter jets and transport aircraft to ensure security of economic activities in the vast maritime territories and relief operation in remote areas to protect people during natural calamity.

The Prime Minister revealed the government's defence plans while addressing the Bangladesh Air Force officers on the occasion of Air Force's annual exercises dubbed "WINTEX-2010" at the BAF main fighter base at Kurmitola inside Dhaka Cantonment at noon.

"Within just one year of assuming office, procuring fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missile system, helicopter, air-defense radar, and armaments has been put in process," she told her military audience.

She said the process was underway to arrange necessary funds for implementing the development plan for the Air Force.

"Budget allocation for the Bangladesh Air Force under the present fiscal year is the biggest amount in the history of the force," she told the function.

The Prime Minister further said various other welfare projects for the members of the Air Force were under active consideration of the government.

"The present government would take all possible measures to build up the country's Air Force as an up-to-date force by arming it with modern technology-based war weapons," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said her government was firmly committed to building up a modern, knowledge-based air force excelled in training and technology in order to ensure security of the country and its people.