"I firmly believe that all the members of this corps will enhance dignity of the army in national and international arenas by working hard with discipline, sincerity and devotion," she told a darbar at Engineer Centre and School of Military Engineering (ECSME) at Qadirabad Cantonment here.

The darbar was held on the occasion of the 4th engineer corps reunion and Annual Commanding Officers Conference 2006.

Khaleda Zia, who holds the portfolio of Defense Ministry, stressed the need for regular training, vigorous exercise and the highest degree of discipline to attain the goal.

She said the role of the corps of engineers is very important in the army. Members of this corps also extend significant assistance to the civil administration in time of need, she added.

She particularly mentioned the role of the engineering corps during natural calamities and in the construction of roads in hilly areas of Chittagong Hill Tracts, building dams on various rivers and constructing Dhaka city protection embankment.

"You have made brilliant examples of your professional efficiency," she said and added the members of the corps of engineers have also earned appreciation through their rescue and salvation activities after different accidents.

Addressing the darbar, the Prime Minister referred to the contribution of sappers to maintain peace in international arena saying they earned honour and dignity for the country by discharging their duties side by side with modern armies from other countries during the Gulf War.

Noting the role of the sappers in the reconstruction of war-ravaged Kuwait, she said about 9,000 members of the corps successfully completed their duties in different peace missions.

"The foreign currency earned by you is not only useful for the welfare of your families, but also for the country," she said.

Terming the reunion a function of tradition, Khaleda Zia said it helps the retired and in-service members of the corps to assemble together and strengthen the bond of brotherhood and enrich professional efficiency.

The Prime Minister recalled with respect all the freedom fighter soldiers, including the proclaimer of independence and architect of self-reliant Bangladesh Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

She particularly paid tributes to the members of the corps of engineers including Birshrestha Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir, Lt. Col Qadir and Captain Shamsul Huda who scarified their lives in the War of Independence.

The Prime Minister planted a 'bakul' sapling beside the podium of the parade ground.

Ministers, MPs, Army Chief and senior civil and military officers were present at the function along with former and in-service members of the corps of engineers.

Earlier, the day's programme began with Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen. Moeen U Ahmed placing wreath at the memorial of the ECSME in honour of the martyred soldiers of the corps of engineers.

She also reviewed the reunion parade of former and present soldiers and took salute.