Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally launches the activities of 17-Padatik Division of Bangladesh Army at Sylhet Jalalabad Cantonment
A new infantry division of Bangladesh Army commenced its formal journey here on Tuesday unveiling a new milestone on the way to implementation of the Forces Goal 2030, the development vision of Bangladesh Armed Forces.
At the function, the flags of the newly formed 360 Infantry Brigade and the 32 and 33 Bangladesh Infantry Regiments were also raised.
Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith hoisted the flag of the 360 Infantry Brigade, while Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Vice- Principal Abdus Shahid and Chief of Army Staff General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan raised the flags of the 32 and 33 Bangladesh Infantry Regiments respectively.
Addressing a darbar arranged on the occasion, the Prime Minister said
new infantry, armour, artillery, air defence and engineering units are being raised up to strengthen the Bangladesh Army according to Forces Goal-2030.
She said the present government after taking office in 2009, has taken all pragmatic measures for development of army.
In this continuation, she said, the 17th Infantry Division, and one infantry brigade sadar and two infantry battalions are being launched.
Very soon, a new composite brigade would be established comprising two more infantry units and one engineering construction battalion, she said adding "this efforts of development will continue in future".
As part of the stride, Sheikh Hasina said, her government
had established and reconstituted one infantry and one mixed brigade, specialized works organization (SWO), one armour regiment, three infantry units, two artillery units, one RE battalion, two ECB and one ST battalion for army.
In addition to that many important institutions like NDC, BIPSOT, AFMC, MIST and NCO's academy were established, she said adding
Bangladesh Infantry Regimental Center was established newly for development of infantry regiment and bring dynamism.
The Prime Minister said sophisticated arms and ammunitions are being procured to enhance effectiveness of the army and turn it into a modern force of global standard. "Necessary reforms and reconstitution of Bangladesh Army will continue in future," she firmly said.