Professional skills, Liberation War spirit among top criteria: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurates the Army Headquarters Selection Board-2012 at the Officer's Mess (new) at the Army Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment yesterday. Photo: PID

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the senior army officials to consider professional efficiency, the spirit of the Liberation War, leadership, discipline, honesty, trust worthiness and loyalty as the criteria for promotion.
She gave the directives while inaugurating the Army Headquarters Selection Board-2012 at the Officers' Mess (new) at the Army Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment.
Hasina formally inaugurated the five-day board in the morning.
She said a disciplined and strong army can play a very supportive role in establishing and consolidating democracy of a country.
“So, leadership should be handed over to those who are well educated, able for work, aware and intelligent, and above all firmly committed to strengthening democracy,” she said.
Hasina told the senior most army officials that she has the full confidence in their prudence, judgment and righteousness. “I hope that you'll be able to find out able leadership on the basis of principles and justice by keeping yourselves above personal liking and disliking,” she said.
An ISPR release said a decision will be taken through the board for the promotion of the army officers from the rank of colonel to brigadier general and lieutenant colonel to colonel.
“The board comprising officers of the highest policymaking level of the army would be giving promotion to the efficient and skilled officers for future senior leadership of the Bangladesh Army,” the release said.
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Sheikh Md Wahid Uz Zaman, Defence Secretary Khondakar Md Asaduzzaman, Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad and high officials of the army were present on the occasion.