Noting that war is always an expensive affair, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday 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.

Prof Yunus said he is also a person against any war in the world but they live in a world where war threat surrounds them always.

“Like many, I am also a person against war. We do not 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, Prof Yunus also talked about the current situation between India and Pakistan.

Highlighting the situation in the world, the Chief Adviser said not getting preparing is suicidal. “And if you have to prepare, there is no room for half-preparedness. This is such a situation, 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, Prof 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, the Chief Adviser said this increases their courage. “Not only the courage to fight, but our children can prepare so well and help face difficult problems.”