Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday reiterated to continue the government efforts for modernising the air force providing it with modern aircraft and other equipment.

She was addressing the Winter Graduation Parade 2003 at Bangladesh Air Force Academy here in the morning, marking the commissioning of the cadets of 48 GDP Course and 51 Ground Branch Course Training.

A total of 29 cadets, including 16 flight cadets of 48 GDP Course and 13 flight cadets, including two female cadets, of 51 Ground Branch Course were commissioned yesterday.

The prime minister appreciated the role of airforce in safeguarding national security, facing natural calamities, in UN peacekeeping missions and economic development through sending remittance.

Khaleda Zia in her speech appreciated the contributions of women commissioned officers, working in the airforce with competence. She especially congratulated the two women cadets commissioned today.

She reminded the graduating cadets that they would have to safeguard the independence with honesty, dedication and sincerity, and urged them to take part in the national development.

Terming the graduating cadets as the 'Future Leader of Air Force', she asked them to properly groom themselves for the future leadership.

Khaleda Zia emphasised on education, training and practice for grooming skilled cadets and officers, and urged them to develop their professional skill through practice.

The prime minister reviewed a smartly turned out parade and took salute at the impressive march past.

She also distributed trophies and awards to the outstanding cadets.

Flight Cadet Wing Under Officer Md Mehedi Hasan of 48 GDP course was awarded with the coveted Sword of Honor for best all-round performance. He also received Osmani Gold Medal for his performance in academic training and Commandant's Trophy for best performance in general services training.

Flight Cadet Sergeant Shamimara Nasrin received the Chief of Air Staff Trophy for best all-round performance in 51 Ground Branch training.

The prime minister presented Academy Colour Number One Squadron to the Bangladesh Airforce Academy in recognition of its invaluable services to the nation producing airforce officers of high professional competence.

She also witnessed a spectacular fly past by different types of BAF aircraft.

Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Fakhrul Azam received the prime minister on her arrival at the Parade Square.

Ministers, MPs, diplomats, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, senior civil and military officials, local elite and guardians of the passing out cadets witnessed the parade.