Staff Correspondent

President M Abdul Hamid asked the graduates of the National Defence Course (NDC) and Armed Forces War Course (AFWC) to create their own identity at the national and international level by making significant contributions to their respective fields.

"I hope the graduates of this prestigious course would be able to make significant contributions to their respective fields," he told the graduates of the NDC and AFW course-2022 as they paid a courtesy call on him at Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban here this afternoon.

Congratulating all course members for their successful completion of the courses here, the President said, "You gathered valuable professional knowledge during your stay at NDC and you have added a wide spectrum of knowledge and experience from here."

Being inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War of Bangladesh and the ideals of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the President said Bangladesh also achieved tremendous success in the socio-economic development under the capable and prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"Bangladesh is now marching on the highway of development . . . . In order to be an active partner in the world economic community, the government has taken up specific and integrated programs to accomplish its goals," he mentioned.

Terming Bangladesh as a fast-growing emerging economy in this region, Abdul Hamid said despite multiple hurdles, Bangladesh achieved success in attaining high GDP growth over the years.

Bangladesh believes in peace and harmony, the Head of the State said, adding, " I am proud to say that our armed forces and law enforcement personnel are playing a very significant role in upholding world peace and harmony by projecting mutual respect and professional excellence."

Noting that the present world is making great leaps in terms of innovation, change and progress, President Hamid reiterated that Bangladesh would relentlessly pursue its vision of establishing and maintaining friendly relations with all countries of the world as envisioned in the foreign policy of the Father of the Nation.

In this changing world the issue of national security has become equally important along with national development, the President, also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, pointed out.

"Therefore, it is important for the officials engaged in state administration and national security to impart and apply knowledge of economic emancipation, national development and national security simultaneously," he told during the meet.

A sense of empathy and appreciation for Bangladesh, which has also grown in the hearts of the graduates during their stay here, would help the participants to act as our goodwill ambassadors at their respective positions, the President expected.

Some 32 foreign participants from 17 countries including Asia, Africa and Europe, took part in the courses, which are aimed to prepare selected senior officers of the armed forces, the civil services and the allied countries for taking higher responsibility in the direction and management of national security and development.

Commandant of National Defence College Lt General Akbar Hossain, senior civil and military officials, and adhering secretaries of the Bangabhaban, among others, were present on the occasion.