Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged all to work unitedly, keeping aside political affiliation and opinion, for the greater interest of the nation.

“I urge all to be united and work for building the country, keeping aside the political affiliation for the greater interest of the nation,” she said while inaugurating the Cox' s Bazar Air Force Base yesterday.

She formally raised the flag of the first ever flying base in the country. She also signed the relevant order and offered munajat.

Hasina said the importance of Cox's Bazar is immense considering the geostrategic position. “As the country's land resources are becoming scarce with the passage of time, everyone's eye is now on the sea. Apart from transporting cargo, there are vast resources of fish, gas and other minerals in the vast area of sea."

Strict vigilance is needed for protecting such resources, Hasina said, hoping that the Cox's Bazar air force base would play an effective role in providing economic security to the country's vast maritime area, conducting relief operations during natural calamities, and above all in ensuring national interest.

She said it is indispensable to have a strong, professional and modern air force to consolidate the security of a country from the viewpoint of military strategy.

The PM said to upgrade the air force, the government has taken steps to replace the old planes and helicopters, and to bring the whole country under the radar network. “For this, work is on hand to set up and replace radars in different areas of the country including Cox's Bazar.”

Earlier, on her arrival, Hasina was received by air chief Ai Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman and base commander Group Capt M Mortuza Kamal.

The PM inspected a guard of honour presented by a smartly turned out contingent of air force personnel and took salute. She also witnessed a spectacular fly-past by the air force officers.

MEDICAL COLLEGE

Earlier, Hasina laid the foundation stone of a medical college in Powerhouse area in the sea resort town of Cox's Bazar.

After laying the foundation, she asked the authorities concerned to complete the construction works of the medical college as soon as possible.