"The armed forces played a glorious role in the War of Independence," she recalled and hoped that they would continue working together with people to uphold the objective of independence.

The prime minister was addressing the graduation ceremony of the National Defence Course (NDC), 2003 and Armed Forces War Course (AFWC), 2003 at National Defence College at the cantonment in Mirpur in the morning.

Ministers, members of parliament, chiefs of the three services, vice-chancellors of universities, diplomats, and civil and military high-ups were present at the function.

The prime minister handed over certificates to 21 officers including two from the Indian and Pakistani armed forces. Nineteen officers of army also received the AFWC certificates from her.

Chiefs of three services and the commandant of the NDC College received the prime minister on her arrival. She also had a photo session with the course members and exchanged pleasantries with them and their spouses.

Recalling the historic victory in the War of Independence, she said Bangladesh, being a peaceful nation, believes in peaceful co-existence with all countries.

"We do not like to show any aggressive posture against anyone, nor do we like to attain such capacity in future," she said.

"But we should possess all the abilities to safeguard our motherland and sovereignty at any cost, if we are attacked upon. Like all other countries, we have the right to do so."

The prime minister said the responsibility of the country's defence and national security does not only rest on the armed forces or any department of the government but on all. "Neither is it limited only up to international boundary," she also said.

"In the present days, the concept of defence and national security has widened a lot. In such a perspective, the whole administration and people should work closely," she said.

Khaleda said the spirit of national integrity and patriotism needs to be transmitted to all levels like the time during War of Independence. "If we can achieve this, we shall be able to reach our desired goal even with whatever resources allotted for defence of the nation," she added.

Congratulating the graduating officers, the prime minister hoped that they would use their acquired knowledge realistically to ensure the security, peace and stability of the country and work as 'think-tank' in the security paradigm.

She recalled the contribution of Ziaur Rahman to the establishment of the NDC College and expressed satisfaction that the national defence course had also included a wide variety of socio-political, strategic and economic issues involving national and regional security.