পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (দ্বাদশ খণ্ড).pdf/৬২২

এই পাতাটির মুদ্রণ সংশোধন করা প্রয়োজন।

(kჯაN:) বাংরাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ দ্বাদশ খন্ড Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy In this connection, I have noted carefully the wish of many Hon’ble Members for our Defense Forces to acquire nuclear capabilities. We have discussed this matter in this House on a number of occasions. Our present policy is to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. In our view the possession of nuclear weapons is no substitute for our capability in the use of conventional weapons. I would like to remind the House that our military capabilities must be based on the advances we are able to make in the field of science, technology and industry. The House is aware of the position. India occupies in the field of nuclear science. The House is also aware of the plans and programmes for making further advances in this field. The House I am sure will not wish me to say more on this subject or to lose my sense of perspective in dealing with it. International Peace-Keeping Apart from the defense of our borders, our Defense Forces have certain other responsibilities also. The House is aware of the responsibilities discharged by our defense forces in the past in a peacekeeping role assigned to them by the United Nations on a number of occasions. On April 6, 1971, while we were engrossed in our own problems, we received an urgent request from our friendly neighbor, the Government of Ceylon. Similar request had been made by that Government to other countries. Our response was prompt. We agreed to provide all assistance that was possible within our resources. We made our helicopters available. Our naval ships assisted the Ceylonese Navy in patrolling Ceylon's coasts. Our personnel did not deal with insurgence they provided relief for the Ceylonese personnel and assisted them in surveillance and patrol duties only. With the completion of their task, the small forces made available to the Government of Ceylon were withdrawn. We have also supplied some items of equipment and stores needed by the Ceylonese Defense Forces. At the request of the Ceylonese Government, we have agreed to provide training facilities to their officers. Our co-operation in this field, the House will be pleased to know, has been mutually satisfactory.