Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her firm optimism that the Bangladesh army would always remain ready to make any sacrifice in nation's interest.

For this Bangladesh army needs competent and patriotic commanding officers, she said while addressing a reunion parade marking regimental commanders' conference of East Bengal regiment of the Bangladesh army and 9th Tigers' reunion at Chittagong cantonment on Saturday.

The prime minister said the Bangladesh army came to existence through the liberation war. "So I expect highest example of patriotism from you," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said she is pleased with the sincerity and devotion of the East Bengal regiment, which is an integral part of her family as her two brothers Shaheed captain Sheikh Kamal and Shaheed second lieutenant Sheikh Jamal were officers of the Regiment.

Recalling the role of the Regiment in the liberation war, the prime minister said five battalions of the EBR participated in front war. In recognition to their role in the liberation war, she said, father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman asked the members of all units of the Regiment to wear red piping on the collar.

"It's a great pride for the members of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 8th EBR," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the Bangladesh army is a part of the people of the country and East Bengal regiment is the main component of the force. Members of the regiment are playing praiseworthy role in post disaster management, infrastructure development and other nation building activities side by side protecting country's independence and sovereignty.

Not only in the country, they are also working with honesty, devotion and competence beyond the country.

Highlighting the steps taken by her government for development of the Bangladesh army, Sheikh Hasina said the government is making constant efforts to build up a capable and modern armed force so that it can discharge all duties in the international arena keeping its head high.

The prime minister said today's Bangladesh is different one from that of half a decade ago. "People of Bangladesh are more confident and indomitable to accomplish any difficult task," she said.

Referring to the Padma bridge project, the prime minister said Bangladesh is ready to implement its mega project with its own resources. "The government has given the duty on the Bangladesh army to oversee the construction work of the cherished project due to the proficiency of the force in doing such work," she said.

The prime minister inspected the parade and took salute.

Army chief General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq received the prime minister on her arrival at Chittagong cantonment.

Cabinet members, parliament members, chiefs of Bangladesh navy and Bangladesh air force and senior civil and military officials were present.