Yunus stresses readiness in a world full of war threats

Noting that war is always an expensive affair, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday laid emphasis on designing Bangladesh’s overall strategy, keeping hands always extended towards peace with required preparation in place.

“In this situation, we have to design our overall strategy. We must always extend our hand towards peace. But we must also be prepared,” he said, adding that the economy is in a weak state and Bangladesh has not yet been able to develop into a country with a strong economy.

Due to the waywardness of the previous government, the chief adviser said whatever was there has also been looted.

The chief adviser was addressing the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) personnel after observing the exercise at the BAF Base Bir Uttam AK Khandker.

“Like many, I’m also a person against war. We don’t wish to see war in the world. War preparations often lead to war. Therefore, there is a serious objection to war preparations,” he said.

The chief adviser, however, said they live in such a world where the threat of war is constantly surrounding them. “It becomes impossible to remain unprepared [in such a situation].”

Referring to media reports, Yunus also talked about the current situation between India and Pakistan.

Highlighting the situation in the world, he said that not getting prepared is suicidal. “And if you have to prepare, there is no room for half preparedness. This is such a situation where victory is the only option. Defeat cannot be an option here. So, we must try to take our preparations to the highest level.”

Impressed by the air force exercise, Yunus said they see these in movies. “We don’t get much opportunity to see these in reality. Today, I saw these in reality because of you.”

Watching the exercise, he said this increases their courage. “Not only the courage to fight, but our children can prepare so well and help face difficult problems.”

Like previous years, Bangladesh Air Force’s annual exercise “Akash Bijoy-2025” commenced on April 23.

As part of this exercise, several important segments were incorporated into a Final Integrated Exercise (LIVEX), which was successfully showcased yesterday at Bangladesh Air Force Base Bir Uttam AK Khandker, Kurmitola, Dhaka Cantonment, according to ISPR.

Yunus graced the event as the chief guest and observed the exercise. Following the event, he took part in an interactive session with air force members.

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan expressed his deep gratitude to the chief adviser for his presence, which significantly boosted morale and inspired the force members.

As a token of thankfulness, Yunus was presented a crest on behalf of Bangladesh Air Force.

Advisers, the chiefs of army and navy, civil and military high officials and other distinguished guests attended the event.

‘Akash Bijoy-2025’ serves as a significant demonstration of air force’s operational readiness, high proficiency, and inter-service jointness.

Under the directives of Air Headquarters, all bases and units of air force are actively participating in the exercise deploying various types of fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, radars, and other air defence elements along with associated units.

Selected representatives from the army, navy, BGB, police, fire service, and BNCC also took part in the exercise.

Air force remains ever-ready, highly committed, and dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s total airspace, and sovereignty, said the ISPR.

Exercise “Akash Bijoy-2025” upholds this spirit and reflects the unwavering professionalism and dedication of all air force members, it said.