12 new armed forces units soon: PM
UNB, Jessore
Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday said 12 new units -- three artillery regiments, three infantry battalions, three field ambulances and three workshops -- equipped with necessary manpower and modern machinery would be formed soon to raise the efficiency of the armed forces. She was addressing the inaugural function of the newly constituted 21st Infantry Brigade of 55 Infantry Division at Jessore Cantonment. The prime minister formally inaugurated the infantry brigade by hoisting the flag and laying the foundation stone of the brigade headquarters at the 27 East Bengal training ground. Earlier, Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury received the prime minister on her arrival at the cantonment. Addressing the function, Khaleda said: "Ekushey (21st) has a special significance in our national life. 21st February of 1952 is our Language Martyrs Day. This day has already earned international recognition." She added that the new brigade was named 21st Infantry Brigade, as the Bangladesh Armed Forces was formed during the Liberation War on November 21, 1971. The prime minister recalled the memory of late President Ziaur Rahman with respect, saying that he took the steps for upgrading the 55th Infantry Brigade to a division in 1976. The infantry division has become complete with the hoisting of the flag of 21s Infantry Brigade. On the occasion, she also paid homage to the memory of the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives in the War of Independence, and prayed for the salvation of their souls. Khaleda said the members of the armed forces received appreciation from all quarters for their role in relief and rehabilitation work, implementing housing projects, ensuring security of important installations, assisting the civil administration in curbing criminal acts and in the UN peacekeeping missions. She wished continued success of the 21st Infantry Brigade and hoped that it would be turned into a strong pillar of Bangladesh Armed Forces through hard work, continuos training, patriotism and discipline. Information Minister Tariqul Islam, Water Resources Minister Hafizuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Selima Rahman, Prime Minister's Political Secretary Mosaddak Ali, Chief of the Naval Staff Rear Admiral Shah Iqbal Mujtaba and Chief of the Air Staff Air Vice-Marshal Fakhrul Azam were present.
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