Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the army men to stay alert to any internal and external threat, and thus safeguard the country's constitution and sovereignty.

She was addressing the flag-hoisting ceremony of seven units of Bangladesh Army at Ramu Cantonment in Cox's Bazar. The units include two infantry brigades of the army's 10 Infantry Division.

Pointing to the Chittagong Hill Tracts peace accord and winning the maritime boundary cases against Myanmar and India, Hasina said her government set up Ramu Cantonment to protect sea resources as well as maintain peace and stability in the CHT region.

A significant number of modern vehicles, helicopters and arms and ammunition have been inducted in the Bangladesh Army for further boosting its capability and efficiency, she mentioned.

“There's a plan to establish another division of Bangladesh Army at Lebukhali of Patuakhali to keep our southern frontier well-protected… and this is how we'll build Bangladesh Army as a more time-befitting force through speedy and coordinated modernisation Insha Allah.”

Describing the Bangladesh Army as a symbol of confidence and trust of people, the premier directed its members to be more efficient and welfare-minded.

Hasina also asked them to discharge their duties by maintaining discipline and keeping trust in senior leadership.

The PM said approval has been given to set up a cantonment public school inside the Ramu Cantonment. “The establishment of the Ramu Cantonment has sparked hope among the people of this region.”

Paying rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she said Bangabandhu had realised the necessity of a developed and professional army.

Earlier, on her arrival at the parade ground of the cantonment, Hasina was received by Chief of Army Staff General Abu Belal Mohammad Shafiul Huq and Maj Gen Ataul Hakim Sarwar Hasan, general officer commanding of the 10 Infantry Division.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the 10 Infantry Division presented a state salute to the PM.

Ministers, PM's Security Adviser Maj Gen Tarique Ahmed Siddique (retd), lawmakers and senior civil and military officials were present.